USS Nimitz arrives in Norfolk to close out 51-year record
The carrier spent the last 39 years on the West Coast before returning to its original East Coast base for final duty.
By Pablo Harrison ·
USS Nimitz docked in Norfolk on July 9, completing a voyage around South America from Bremerton, Washington. The arrival marks the final homeport assignment for the 51-year-old vessel.
The ship recently became the longest-serving aircraft carrier in Navy history. It surpassed USS Enterprise, which exited active service in 2012 after 51 years and one day. Nimitz is scheduled to stay in service until at least March 2027, when the John F. Kennedy enters the fleet.
Commissioned on May 2, 1975, the Nimitz served as the lead ship of its class. It spent its first 12 years homeported in Norfolk. During that period, it functioned as a staging platform for Operation Eagle Claw, the 1980 effort to rescue U.S. hostages in Iran.
The carrier left Norfolk in 1987. It then spent the majority of its career on the West Coast, alternating between Washington and San Diego. On March 7, it departed Bremerton for the last time. The ship left most of its air crew on the West Coast before beginning the move east.
Nimitz carries a crew of nearly 6,000 sailors and aviators. Since arriving in Norfolk this summer, the ship has hosted a NATO change of command ceremony. It is also training pilots and maintenance crews from Naval Air Station Oceana.
WHRO Military Reporter Steve Walsh traveled to the ship on July 9. He documented the crew as the vessel completed its transfer to its new base.
Source: WHRO Public Media
