laststandonzombieisland

We covered the “final” cruise of the class-leading, bar-setting USS Nimitz earlier this year, and the prospect that the 51-year-old flattop, the oldest CVN in the world since 2017, could linger as a training carrier for a while.

AVTN-68, if you will.

With the carrier not scheduled for decommissioning until March 2027, when the recently delivered PCU USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) would clock in, Nimitz could be very busy for the next five months or more.

Per Navy PAO:

During its first underway period since completing a homeport shift to Norfolk, Va. in July, Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) conducted its Precision Approach Landing Systems (PALS) certification, Oct. 5-8.

PALS, supported by the ship’s combat systems department and Carrier Air Traffic Controller Center (CATCC), aids pilots as they execute night or bad weather landings, guiding pilots to a good starting position for approaches; and is a requirement for ships to conduct flight operations.

In addition to the certification of Nimitz’ PALS equipment, Sailors used the underway as an opportunity to conduct training in preparation for future at sea operations, including aircraft recovery, damage control, propulsion and other drills.

This certification and training readies Nimitz for future underway periods such as those in support of east coast carrier qualifications (CQ). CQ’s are an important milestone in the training of student naval aviators, serving as their first opportunity to land on the flight deck of an operational aircraft carrier.

Nimitz is scheduled to conduct multiple upcoming CQ’s in support of Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic.

Nimitz is currently homeported in Naval Station Norfolk as part of Carrier Strike Group 8.

They could always just let the old girl roam the Virginia Capes forever. An electron-powered Flying Dutchman. Steaming lazy broad figure eights for CQs until the end of time. Manned by the ghosts of CVWs past.

With that, see these Platoon Daddy graphics for reference.