USS Nimitz decommissioning will leave Navy with fewer carriers until 2027

The USS Nimitz carrier strike group is currently en route to the Middle East from the South China Sea amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. This symbolic deployment of the U.S. Navy’s oldest active aircraft carrier is a significant move in response to the volatile situation in the region.

According to recent budget documents, the U.S. Navy will temporarily reduce its fleet of aircraft carriers from 11 to 10 once the USS Nimitz is decommissioned next year. This reduction is due to the delayed delivery of a new carrier, the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), which was originally scheduled to be delivered by July 2025 but has now been pushed back to March 2027.

The delay in the delivery of the USS John F. Kennedy is attributed to the need to complete the certification of the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) and Advanced Weapons Elevator (AWE) systems, which are crucial components of the Ford class carriers. These systems ensure the smooth operation and functionality of the aircraft carrier.

Newport News Shipbuilding, the company responsible for constructing the USS John F. Kennedy, has stated that they are implementing lessons learned from previous projects to improve the construction process for future ships in the class. The delivery of another carrier, the USS Enterprise (CVN-80), has also been delayed from September 2029 to July 2030.

The USS Nimitz, which is currently on its final deployment in the Middle East before being decommissioned in 2026, holds historical significance as it was deployed in 1980 during Operation Eagle Claw, a failed U.S. rescue mission in Tehran. The deployment of the Nimitz underscores the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

As the U.S. Navy navigates these delays and transitions in its aircraft carrier fleet, it is crucial to ensure the readiness and effectiveness of its carrier strike groups in addressing global security challenges. The deployment of the USS Nimitz serves as a reminder of the Navy’s commitment to maintaining stability and security in the region.

The original article was written by Greg Wehner for Fox News Digital, with contributions from Danielle Wallace. For more breaking news and updates, follow Greg Wehner on Twitter @GregWehner or contact him at Greg.Wehner@Fox.com.