USS Nimitz Celebrates Three Decades of Service
Story Number: NNS050517-08
Release Date: 5/17/2005 1:59:00 PM
By Journalist 2nd Class Kris Allen
USS Nimitz Public Affairs
USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- During the first week of a Western Pacific
deployment, crew members aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) celebrated the
ship's 30th birthday May 12.
The aircraft carrier's commanding officer, Capt. Ted Branch, gave a
short address to the crew and then cut a birthday cake with help from
the ship's two "Old Salts", two Sailors from Fleet Adm. Nimitz' home
state of Texas, and the Sailor who had served the longest time aboard
the ship.
Branch discussed Adm. Nimitz, the ship's namesake, and talked about some
of the highlights of the ship's history. He ended his remarks by
focusing on the progress of the current deployment. "I'm happy to be out
here with you guys, and I think we're going to do a great job," he
commented.
Throughout the day, the movies "The Final Countdown", "Midway", and a
short film entitled "The Nimitz Story", narrated by Walter Cronkite, was
aired on the ship's television system.
During the past three decades, Nimitz has made more than 10 deployments,
including a world cruise and cruises in support of Operations Iraqi
Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Desert Storm, and Southern Watch.
Nimitz has also changed homeports three times, beginning with Norfolk,
Va., then moving to Bremerton, Wash., in 1987, and finally moving to San
Diego in June 2001 after a three-year mid-life refueling overhaul in
Virginia.
The ship has earned numerous awards in her 30 years, including the 2004
Pacific Fleet Battle "E", the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary
Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the 2003 Admiral H. Flatley
Memorial Award for excellence in aviation safety.
Nimitz is the flagship for Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, led by
Rear Adm. Peter Daly. The strike group and Carrier Air Wing 11 deployed
May 7 in support of the global war on terrorism.
For related news, visit the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Navy NewsStand page at
www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn68/.