The U.S. Navy has decided to keep USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in service until March 2027, extending the operational life of its oldest aircraft carrier as it manages the transition to newer vessels.
Commissioned in 1975, Nimitz is not only the longest-serving carrier currently in operation but also the lead ship of the Nimitz class, which defined the standard for nuclear-powered supercarriers over the past five decades. The class includes 10 ships and remains the core of the Navy’s carrier force.
The extension comes as the Navy works to maintain its legally mandated fleet of 11 aircraft carriers. The arrival of USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second Ford-class carrier, has faced delays and is now expected to be delivered around the same timeframe that Nimitz will leave service, prompting the overlap.
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Rather than retiring the ship in 2026 as previously planned, the Navy will keep Nimitz available through part of 2027 to avoid a temporary gap in carrier numbers. The move ensures continuity in force structure as newer carriers gradually enter the fleet.
In parallel, the Navy has begun preparations for the ship’s eventual decommissioning, including early contracting work tied to its inactivation and nuclear defueling. These efforts typically begin well in advance due to the complexity of dismantling a nuclear-powered vessel.
After completing a recent deployment cycle, Nimitz has shifted toward transitional activities ahead of retirement. The carrier is relocating to the U.S. East Coast, where it will undergo final procedures before being withdrawn from service.
