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/.

My dad was on that ship, Navy nuke.

Nuclear carriers: How America says "Are you talkin' ta me?"

Did a Tiger Cruise aboard many moons ago.

You haven't lived until you've seen a Phalanx fired when you're standing about 20 feet away.  

It was my first brush with an M-14 as well plinking off the fantail.  Wasn't into guns at all back then.  Little did I know...

No, it can't be 30 years old.  (and why do all those crewmen look like Sea Cadets?)

Who's the Captain? I'm asking a broader question here which is do all boats have a guy of 'captain' rank in charge or does a bigger boat get an admiral?

For the USS Nimitz the captain is Capt. Ted Branch.
He is the HMFIC on board the USS Nimitz, even if Commander, Carrier Strike Group (or anyone else of a higher rank) is on board.

Not all Navy ships have an actual captain (O6) on board or in charge.
However, the commanding officer of the ship/boat can be called "Skipper" no matter what his rank is.

Quoted: Who's the Captain? I'm asking a broader question here which is do all boats have a guy of 'captain' rank in charge or does a bigger boat get an admiral?

Quoted: For the USS Nimitz the captain is Capt. Ted Branch. He is the HMFIC on board the USS Nimitz, even if Commander, Carrier Strike Group (or anyone else of a higher rank) is on board. Not all Navy ships have an actual captain (O6) on board or in charge. However, the commanding officer of the ship/boat can be called "Skipper" no matter what his rank is. Quoted: Who's the Captain? I'm asking a broader question here which is do all boats have a guy of 'captain' rank in charge or does a bigger boat get an admiral?

Are higher ranks than Captain ever HMFIC?

Quoted: You haven't lived until you've seen a Phalanx fired when you're standing about 20 feet away.

Ha!

Try an SM-2 ER!

Quoted: Quoted: For the USS Nimitz the captain is Capt. Ted Branch. He is the HMFIC on board the USS Nimitz, even if Commander, Carrier Strike Group (or anyone else of a higher rank) is on board. Not all Navy ships have an actual captain (O6) on board or in charge. However, the commanding officer of the ship/boat can be called "Skipper" no matter what his rank is. Quoted: Who's the Captain? I'm asking a broader question here which is do all boats have a guy of 'captain' rank in charge or does a bigger boat get an admiral? Are higher ranks than Captain ever HMFIC?

Of an individual ship? Nope.

Quoted: No, it can't be 30 years old.  (and why do all those crewmen look like Sea Cadets?)

She was commissioned when I was a young Aviation Electronics Technician Third Class.

Quoted: Quoted: No, it can't be 30 years old.  (and why do all those crewmen look like Sea Cadets?) She was commissioned when I was a young Aviation Electronics Technician Third Class.

Holy SHIT you're old!

So what job do you get when you get promoted above Captain?

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: No, it can't be 30 years old.  (and why do all those crewmen look like Sea Cadets?) She was commissioned when I was a young Aviation Electronics Technician Third Class. Holy SHIT you're old!

I really don't relize it until these kind of discussions come up.  Seems like just yesterday I wasn't but about twenty or so.

I was working on the Nimitz at NOB Norfolk while they were filming part on the Final Countdown. I watched them film one scene over and over and over and over ....
Kirk Douglas and most of the other actors are short people.  

Quoted: So what job do you get when you get promoted above Captain?

They don't get promoted until they go to a command that warrants having an admiral.  They are a Rear Admiral (Select) until then, although unlike the Army being selected doesn't bestow any priviledge on the officer.  

Quoted: Quoted: You haven't lived until you've seen a Phalanx fired when you're standing about 20 feet away.   Ha! Try an SM-2 ER!

I'll see your SM-2 and raise you a TLAM and a couple of Harpoons!

I was part of CAG 8 air wing in VAW-124 on her from 83-86.  Was in the Med twice in that time.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: You haven't lived until you've seen a Phalanx fired when you're standing about 20 feet away.   Ha! Try an SM-2 ER! I'll see your SM-2 and raise you a TLAM and a couple of Harpoons!

Probably very, very similar!

They sound like the gates of Hell popping off the hinges. Unreal.

Makes you wonder what a Saturn V liftoff or 9/11 must have sounded like from up close!

Quoted: Not all Navy ships have an actual captain (O6) on board or in charge. However, the commanding officer of the ship/boat can be called "Skipper" no matter what his rank is.

I wouldn't recommend the use of the term "Skipper" to refer to a ship's CO.  Squadron COs are frequently referred to as Skipper.  Just about every ship's CO prefers to be called "Captain".  You may get away with using Skipper on a carrier because the CO is an aviator and was called Skipper in his first command (Carrier commanding officers are typically on their third or sometimes fourth command tour).

Normally using the term Skipper will get you some derisive Gilligan splashback.

Ahh, Nimitz - cruised in that BG for my first deployment.  30 years old and newer than any ship to which I have been assigned.

Quoted: Normally using the term Skipper will get you some derisive Gilligan splashback.

I spent two 1/2 years on that tub with RVAH-6. Probably the most interesting time I have ever spent. In my day it was a good boat. Not sure how she stacks up now.

edit for spelling