# USS Nimitz Retires After 52 Years

> USS Nimitz, the US Navy's oldest active aircraft carrier, retires after 52 years of service.
- Title: USS Nimitz Retires After 52 Years · Jalopnik | Shortify
- Summary: USS Nimitz, the US Navy's oldest active aircraft carrier, retires after 52 years of service.
- Keywords: uss nimitz, nimitz class carrier, uss john f kennedy, gerald r ford class, nuclear reactor, aircraft carrier, us navy, Jalopnik
- Source: Jalopnik — https://jalopnik.com/2315957/us-navy-retire-oldest-aircraft-carrier-uss-nimitz
- Author: Chloe Clougher
- Published: 2026-11-14T12:05:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: uss nimitz, nimitz class carrier, uss john f kennedy, gerald r ford class, nuclear reactor, aircraft carrier, us navy, cars, culture
## USS Nimitz Commissioned
The USS Nimitz was commissioned on May 3, 1975, and remains the oldest active aircraft carrier.
## Nimitz Specifications
Measuring 1,092 feet long with a crew capacity of 5,000, it can carry up to 90 aircraft.
## Nuclear Power System
Power comes from two Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors, enabling speeds up to 30 knots.
## 50-Year Service Life
Nimitz-class carriers were designed for 50 years of service, which has now been reached.
## Extended Service Until 2027
Its service was extended to March 2027 due to delays in the USS John F. Kennedy's commissioning.
## Retirement Process
The ship must be de-armed, shut down, and stripped before disassembly begins.
## Key takeaway

The USS Nimitz, commissioned in 1975, will retire in March 2027 after its 50-year service life ended due to delayed replacement.