finance
USS Nimitz Arrives at Naval Station Mayport After South America Transit
The nuclear-powered supercarrier USS Nimitz reached Naval Station Mayport, Florida, on Tuesday after completing its final overseas deployment and a transit around South America. The carrier is scheduled to reach its new homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 25.
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The nuclear-powered supercarrier USS Nimitz arrived at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, on Tuesday afternoon. This marks the vessel's first United States port call since departing San Diego in March following the completion of its final overseas deployment.
The carrier's official social media account stated that Rear Adm. Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet, came aboard to congratulate the crew. Rear Adm. Sardiello said Southern Seas 2026 was arguably the best iteration of the exercise conducted to date.
The Navy extended the carrier's service beyond its originally planned spring decommissioning because of delays with the future USS John F. Kennedy. Congress requires the Navy to maintain at least 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in the active fleet. The USS Nimitz will remain officially active until next March, after which decommissioning and recycling are expected to take several years.
Unable to use the Panama Canal, the carrier transited around South America via the Strait of Magellan as part of a farewell and goodwill tour. During the transit, the vessel conducted joint operations with allied maritime forces in Latin America and hosted government and military officials. The carrier is now expected to arrive at Naval Station Norfolk on June 25.
