Oldest U.S. Navy Supercarrier Heading To NYC For 250 Celebrations

First Visit To New York City

The USS Nimitz has spent the majority of her career in the Pacific and the Middle East, but has never visited the Big Apple. That could make the INR 250 all the more special.

“Adding USS Nimitz to the International Naval Review 250 roster brings a legendary piece of American naval history and maritime dominance directly to the heart of this celebration,” said Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet. “For five decades, the Sailors aboard Nimitz have stood the watch, defending freedom and ensuring global maritime security. Having this iconic warship anchor in New York Harbor alongside our international partners will be a breathtaking tribute to our nation’s 250th anniversary and a powerful demonstration of American resolve.”

The presence of the supercarrier will also underscore the core themes of INR 250, the U.S. Navy explained. That includes celebrating the strength of international partnerships, showcasing the professionalism of the sailors who make up the fleet, and honoring the deep, historical naval ties of New York City.

During the week-long event, CVN-68 will take a center role with the fleet following the monumental Parade of Sail on July 4. While anchored in New York, the ship will host distinguished visitors, and her crew of thousands of sailors will engage with the citizens of New York and New Jersey through community relations projects, public events, and memorial ceremonies.

“The Sailors of USS Nimitz are honored to represent the Navy and our nation at INR 250,” said Capt. Joseph Furco, CVN-68’s commanding officer. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase the dedication, pride, and professionalism of ‘Team Nimitz’ as well as the enduring capability of this incredible ship on a global stage. We are humbled to be the iconic symbol of America’s unparalleled sea power.”

The U.S. Bicentennial and International Naval Review in July 1976 also featured a massive international fleet of more than 50 warships and dozens of historic tall ships in New York Harbor. The host ship for that event 50 years ago was the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CV-59).

The U.S. Navy’s Longest Serving Carrier

As of last month, USS Nimitz became the longest-serving U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, surpassing the active service of the U.S. Navy’s first nuclear-powered flattop, the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), which was commissioned on Nov. 26, 1961, and deactivated on Dec. 1, 2012.

CVN-68 was scheduled to be decommissioned this spring, but delays with the second Gerald R. Ford-class supercarrier, the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), required that USS Nimitz remain on the U.S. Navy rolls as Congress requires the service to maintain at least 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in the active fleet.

As a result, the oldest carrier also undertook an extended farewell/goodwill tour throughout South America as she sailed around the continent and transited the Strait of Magellan in April, being too large to transit the Panama Canal. The goodwill tour also included numerous stops in Latin America and the Caribbean, and she also hosted visits from numerous officials and foreign leaders.

“As the most iconic serving aircraft carrier in the U.S. fleet and the lead ship of her class, Nimitz brings unparalleled historical significance to what will be the largest international maritime spectacle in U.S. history,” the Navy added. “Named for World War II Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the carrier represents more than 50 years of active global defense, having played pivotal roles in missions ranging from Operation Desert Storm to Operation Inherent Resolve.”