Aircraft carriers, large ships carrying warplanes, are more than just floating runways. They’ve existed since 1922, with the first US carrier, USS Langley, being a modified cargo ship. The first purpose-built US Navy carrier was USS Ranger, launched in 1934.
Today, modern aircraft carriers are massive, complex, and costly, prompting debates on their worth given advanced weapon technology. Only 47 carriers remain active globally, with 11 belonging to the US Navy, split between the Nimitz and Ford classes. Here’s a brief on the current US Navy carriers:
Nimitz-Class Carriers
CVN-68: Nimitz
- Launched in 1972, named after Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
- First deployment in 1976, significant missions include rescue during the Iran hostage crisis and operations in the Persian Gulf.
- Scheduled for retirement starting in 2025.
CVN-69: Dwight D. Eisenhower
- Launched in 1975, named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
- Significant deployments include the Iran hostage crisis response and Operation Desert Storm.
- Set to retire in 2029.
CVN-70: Carl Vinson
- Commissioned in 1982, named after Congressman Carl Vinson.
- Notable for participating in Operation Desert Strike, the Osama bin Laden raid, and hosting the first NCAA basketball game on a carrier.
- No decommission date yet, expected lifespan of 50 years.
CVN-71: Theodore Roosevelt
- Named after President Theodore Roosevelt, launched amidst political challenges in 1986.
- Participated in Operations Desert Storm and Southern Watch.
- Continues active service, stationed off San Diego.
CVN-72: Abraham Lincoln
- Commissioned in 1989, participated in Operation Desert Storm and rescue after Mount Pinatubo eruption.
- Features in movies like “Stealth” and “The Core.”
- Stationed off San Diego with a USO Center.
CVN-73: George Washington
- Launched in 1990, first mission was on September 11, 2001.
- Stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, as the first nuclear-powered ship based outside US waters.
- Undergoing repairs for significant damage.
CVN-74: John C. Stennis
- Named after Senator John Stennis, launched in 1993.
- Significant missions include Operation Southern Watch and hosting the premiere of “Pearl Harbor.”
- Ongoing debate over renaming due to Stennis’s segregationist history.
CVN-75: Harry S. Truman
- Launched in 1996, named after President Harry S. Truman.
- Participated in numerous missions including Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- Deployed to the Mediterranean Sea during the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.
Louis Dreyfus Armateurs selected by Airbus to build, own and operate low-emission vessels
CVN-76: Ronald Reagan
- Commissioned in 2001, named after President Ronald Reagan.
- Aided in Operation Iraqi Freedom and disaster relief in Japan.
- Recently departed Yokosuka for an Indo-Pacific patrol.
CVN-77: George H. W. Bush
- The final Nimitz-class carrier, launched in 2003.
- Known for technological advancements and significant missions including Operation Inherent Resolve.
- Engaged in community service with the Thousand Points of Light initiative.
Ford-Class Carriers
CVN-78: Gerald R. Ford
- First Ford-class carrier, commissioned in 2017.
- Largest carrier in the US Navy, experienced delays and budget issues.
- Participated in NATO exercises and extended deployment after the Hamas attack on Israel in 2023.
CVN-79: John F. Kennedy
- Second Ford-class carrier, christened in 2019, still undergoing final tests.
- Expected to be completed and commissioned by 2025.
These aircraft carriers represent the pinnacle of naval engineering and continue to play a crucial role in global maritime security.
