The US Navy will keep the CVN-68 Nimitz aircraft carrier in service until 2027, while simultaneously beginning the necessary preparations for decommissioning the ship and disposing of nuclear fuel. According to Navy Recognition, commissioned in 1975, the ship remains in the Indo-Pacific region, supporting the operations of American naval aviation.
According to a statement from the Pentagon, the Newport News Shipbuilding division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Virginia has received an additional contract worth $95.704 million, which involves the preliminary planning and purchase of long-term supplies necessary to prepare for the decommissioning of the aircraft carrier Nimitz and unloading nuclear fuel from it.
Aircraft Carrier Nimitz, USA
U.S. Department of War
Navy Recognition reports that the completion of work on this agreement is expected by March 2027.
"The early preparation for the disposal of the ship of an industrial enterprise reflects the technical complexity of decommissioning nuclear aircraft carriers," the publication states. – The dismantling process includes extensive engineering planning, the purchase of specialized equipment, and preparations for extracting nuclear fuel from the ship's reactors. Newport News Shipbuilding remains unique as it is the only shipyard in the United States capable of building, refueling, and servicing nuclear–powered aircraft carriers. This makes Newport News Shipbuilding a key industrial enterprise responsible for managing the lifecycle of the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier fleet."
Despite entering the final phase of its life cycle, Nimitz continues to perform operational tasks. In December 2025, the aircraft carrier is expected to begin its last deployment in the South China Sea. It operates northeast of the Malaysian island of Great Natuna. The mission takes place in waters that are increasingly patrolled by Chinese Naval forces, coast guard vessels, and marine police units near disputed archipelagos and important shipping lanes.
"The operational situation in this region has become more complex as China's naval presence has expanded," Navy Recognition notes. – Beijing is also strengthening military infrastructure in disputed areas of the South China Sea. The deployment of the Nimitz-led carrier strike group demonstrates the enduring potential of U.S. naval aviation and supports freedom of navigation operations, regional security commitments, and deterrence missions aimed at preserving regional stability."
Previously, it was assumed that the lead aircraft carrier of the Nimitz class would be decommissioned before the end of the 2026 fiscal year (ends on September 30). The ship with a displacement of over 100,000 tons is equipped with two A4W nuclear reactors, four steam turbines and four propeller shafts. This allows the ship to reach a steady speed of more than 30 knots.
An air wing of more than 60 aircraft is stationed on board the Nimitz. These are F/A-18E/F Super Hornet multirole fighters, EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, E-2D long-range radar detection and control aircraft, as well as MH-60R and MH-60S Seahawk multirole helicopters used for anti-submarine warfare, logistics and search and rescue operations.
During its long history of service, the aircraft carrier Nimitz participated in many major operations of the US Navy. He operated in the Middle East, the Western Pacific, and the Indian Ocean. The ship supported combat missions during the military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.
