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Enduring Power: Nimitz-Class Carriers Near Retirement

1/13/2026

37 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Nimitz-class aircraft carriers remain in service and demonstrate the US Navy's enduring power despite being over 50 years old and nearing retirement.
They are nuclear-powered and displace about 100,000 tonnes, generate up to 260,000 horsepower, and can exceed 30 knots.
They can carry up to 130 F/A-18 Super Hornets, along with various missile systems and machine guns.
They will eventually be replaced by the Gerald R. Ford-class.

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Story summary

The Nimitz-class aircraft carriers remain in service and demonstrate the US Navy's enduring power despite being over 50 years old and nearing retirement.
They are nuclear-powered and displace about 100,000 tonnes, generate up to 260,000 horsepower, and can exceed 30 knots.
They can carry up to 130 F/A-18 Super Hornets, along with various missile systems and machine guns.
They will eventually be replaced by the Gerald R. Ford-class.