--- title: "Awe-Inspiring Images From Underneath A Well-Worn USS Nimitz, The Navy’s Oldest Carrier" description: "The Nimitz is approaching the end of her design life, but the Navy is looking at extending her service in order to sustain a 12 carrier fleet." date: "2018-12-21" modified: "2018-12-21" authors: - name: "Tyler Rogoway" job_title: "Editor-in-Chief" link: "https://www.twz.com/authors/tyler-rogoway.md" url: "https://www.twz.com/25634/awe-inspiring-images-from-underneath-a-well-worn-uss-nimitz-the-navys-oldest-carrier" categories: - "Carriers" - "Navies" - "Nimitz Class" - "Sea" - "U.S. Navy" - "USS Nimitz (CVN-68)" tags: - "aircraft carrier" - "Carrier Fleet" - "CVN-86" - "Dry dock" - "maintenance" - "Photos" - "Puget Sound Naval Shipyard" - "Shipyard" - "USS Nimitz" --- # Awe-Inspiring Images From Underneath A Well-Worn USS Nimitz, The Navy’s Oldest Carrier ![]() *www.twz.com* The fact that [*USS Nimitz* (CVN-68)]() is the Navy's oldest operational aircraft carrier really ages you. Following the [early retirement of *USS Enterprise*]() (CVN-65), America's supercarrier fleet is all *Nimitz* class, but that will change once the [atrociously expensive USS Gerald R. Ford]() (CVN-78) actually enters operational service. In the meantime, *Nimitz* has been receiving some much needed TLC up at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington as part of a nine month long planned incremental availability maintenance period. The shipyard has released a string of amazing photos showing a well-worn *Nimitz* during its time in dry dock over the better part of the 2018. They almost have a cathedral-like vibe to them and the proportions of the ship, seen from its keel up, are hard to get your head around. ![message-editor%2F1545427599029-180305-n-cc918-005.jpg]() **PSNS** ![message-editor%2F1545427618957-180305-n-cc918-001\_1.jpg]() **PSNS** ![message-editor%2F1545427650131-180305-n-cc918-014.jpg]() **PSNS** ![message-editor%2F1545427793466-180305-n-cc918-015.jpg]() **PSNS** ![message-editor%2F1545427824301-180305-n-cc918-006.jpg]() **PSNS** ![message-editor%2F1545431971701-181016-n-fd244-0005.jpg]() **PSNS** ![message-editor%2F1545432001496-181016-n-fd244-0006.jpg]() **PSNS** ![message-editor%2F1545431707686-180305-n-cc918-009.jpg]() **PSNS** ![message-editor%2F1545431734927-180305-n-cc918-017.jpg]() *This image shows the Nimitz's relatively new rear sponson configuration. Both Phalanx CIWS that are usually seen on the lower sponsons have been removed for this maintenance period. , *PSNS** ![message-editor%2F1545432193162-180305-n-cc918-0072.jpg]() **PSNS** ![message-editor%2F1545435944785-180305-n-cc918-012.jpg]() **PSNS** ![message-editor%2F1545435966591-2018-12-21.png]() *This is a crop of the above image, showing this interesting historic inscription on *Nimitz's* hull. , *PSNS** With calls to expand the U.S. Navy's carrier inventory, as well as the [Navy's fleet size in general](), to meet growing threats from peer state competitors like China and Russia, *Nimitz* may serve well past its 50 year service life. As it sits now, the nuclear-powered supercarrier will be retired from service in 2023, but further maintenance and upgrades may allow it to serve on, which would significantly help maintain a 12 supercarrier force. Today 11 supercarriers are in the Navy's fleet. You can read all about this possible life extension initiative in a past [TWZ article linked here](). If the option to extend *Nimitz's* life is executed, other *Nimitz* class supercarriers in the U.S. Navy's fleet could also potentially receive similar life extensions as needed. The Navy is also [looking at extending the service lives]() of some of its surface combatants, such as its Aegis-equipped cruisers and destroyers, as well. ![message-editor%2F1545432928258-4839076.jpg]() **PSNS** ![message-editor%2F1545432947513-181205-n-cc918-039.jpg]() **PSNS** ![message-editor%2F1545432978450-181205-n-cc918-011.jpg]() **PSNS** ![message-editor%2F1545433009068-181205-n-cc918-026.jpg]() **PSNS** ![message-editor%2F1545433028416-181205-n-cc918-001.jpg]() **PSNS** So, there you have it, the old lady of America's supercarrier fleet, still going strong as she approaches her 50th birthday with the help of the hard working folks up at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. It's also worth noting that these images serve as a good reminder of just how important the Navy's shipyards are, which have been left to [rot in recent decades](). This harsh reality is something the Navy is finally coming to terms with. In the end, you can build all ships and submarines you want, but unless you have industrial capacity to keep them in an operational state, they become fiscal black holes that live their [lives roped to a pier](). *A big hat-tip to Chris Cavas of [@Cavasships]() for drawing our attention to these wonderful images!* *Contact the author: Tyler@thedrive.com* ## Author Tyler’s passion is the study of military technology, strategy, as well as foreign policy, and he has fostered a dominant voice on those topics in the defense and national security space. Tyler was the creator of the hugely popular defense site *Foxtrot Alpha* before developing *TWZ*, which he continues to lead as the Editor-In-Chief to this day. ### Author social links [Twitter]()