Propulsion: Two nuclear reactors, four shafts. Length: 1,092 feet (332.85 meters). Beam: 134 feet (40.84 meters) ; Flight Deck Width: 252 feet (76.8 meters). Displacement: Approximately 97,000 tons (87,996.9 metric tons) full load. Speed: 30+ knots (34.5+ miles per hour). Crew: Ship's Company: 3,200 - Air Wing: 2,480. Armament: Two or three (depending on modification) NATO Sea Sparrow launchers, 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts: (3 on Nimitz and Dwight D. Eisenhower and 4 on Vinson and later ships of the class.). Aircraft: 85.

USS Nimitz has responded to numerous regional and international crises, earning a significant place in history, much like her namesake, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.

The keel of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) was laid on June 22, 1968, at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Virginia. The ship was commissioned on May 3, 1975, at Pier 12, Naval Station Norfolk, Va., by President Gerald R. Ford. Notable guests included Secretary of Defense James R. Schlesinger, Secretary of the Navy J. William Middendorf, III, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James L. Holloway, III, and Mrs. James T. Nimitz-Lay, the ship's sponsor.

In his remarks to a crowd of over 20,000, President Ford stated: "Wherever the United States Ship Nimitz shows her flag, she will be seen as we see her now - a solid symbol of United States strength; United States resolve. Made in America and manned by Americans. Whether its mission is one of defense, diplomacy or humanity, Nimitz will command awe and admiration from some, caution and circumspection from others, and respect from all."

The Nimitz's first deployment began on July 7, 1976, when it departed Norfolk for the Mediterranean. The task force included the nuclear-powered cruisers USS South Carolina and USS California. This deployment marked the first time in 10 years that nuclear-powered ships had deployed to the Mediterranean. In November 1976, Nimitz was awarded the Battle "E" from Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Fleet, for being the most efficient and foremost aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Fleet. The ship returned to Norfolk on February 7, 1977, after a seven-month deployment.

Nimitz embarked on its second Mediterranean deployment on December 1, 1977, and returned to Norfolk on July 20, 1978. During its third Mediterranean cruise, starting on September 10, 1979, Nimitz was dispatched to strengthen the U.S. Naval presence in the Indian Ocean as tensions rose over Iran's hostage-taking of 52 Americans. Operation "Evening Light," an attempt to rescue the hostages, was launched from Nimitz but was aborted when the number of operational helicopters fell below the required minimum. During this deployment, the ship operated 144 continuous days at sea. Nimitz's homecoming on May 26, 1980, was the largest given to any carrier battle group returning to the U.S. since World War II, with President and Mrs. Carter, members of Congress, military leaders, and thousands of families and friends in attendance.

On May 15, 1981, Nimitz departed Norfolk for the final phases of its workup schedule for an upcoming Mediterranean cruise. On May 25, an EA-6B Prowler crash-landed on the flight deck, killing 14 crewmen and injuring 45 others. The carrier returned to port to repair damaged catapults and went back to sea less than 48 hours later to complete its training schedule. During its fourth deployment in August 1981, Nimitz and USS Forrestal conducted an open ocean missile exercise in the Gulf of Sidra. On August 19, Nimitz aircraft from VF-41 engaged and shot down two Libyan MiGs.

In June 1985, Nimitz was dispatched to the Eastern Mediterranean in response to the hijacking of TWA Flight 847. The ship remained off the coast of Lebanon until August. After an extended deployment, Nimitz left the Mediterranean in May 1987 and sailed to its new homeport in Bremerton, Washington, arriving on July 2, 1987.

In September 1988, Nimitz operated off South Korea to provide security for the Olympic Games in Seoul. It then participated in Operation "Earnest Will" in the North Arabian Sea, protecting shipping lanes and escorting U.S.-registered Kuwaiti tankers. Nimitz was deployed to the Western Pacific and the Arabian Gulf in February 1991 during Operation Desert Storm, returning to Bremerton on August 24, 1991. Another deployment to the Arabian Gulf followed in February 1993, and the ship returned in August 1993.

In November 1995, Nimitz was deployed to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Gulf, where its presence helped calm tensions between mainland China and Taiwan. In September 1997, Nimitz embarked on an around-the-world cruise, returning to the East Coast for a multi-year overhaul in Newport News.

On September 21, 2001, after sea trials in the Virginia Capes, Nimitz began its transit around South America to its new homeport of NAS North Island in San Diego, California, arriving on November 13, 2001. The ship underwent a four-month post-shakedown maintenance availability at North Island in early 2002. Nimitz's eleventh operational deployment began on March 3, 2003, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). It returned to San Diego on November 5, 2003.

Nimitz deployed again to the Persian Gulf on May 7, 2005, marking three decades of service. This deployment was depicted in the Emmy award-winning 2008 PBS documentary series "Carrier." In April 2007, Nimitz was deployed to the Arabian Sea, supporting OIF and anchoring off Chennai, India, to expand bilateral defense cooperation between India and the United States. The ship returned to North Island on September 30, 2007.

In January 2008, Nimitz deployed to the Pacific for a "surge" deployment. In February 2008, Russian Tu-95 'Bear' bombers overflew the carrier in the Western Pacific, intercepted by F/A-18C Hornets. Nimitz was awarded the Navy Battle "E" for battle efficiency for 2007. The ship returned to San Diego on June 3, 2008.

Nimitz Strike Group, including CVW-11, departed for a Western Pacific deployment on July 31, 2009, and began flying combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on September 21. In January 2010, while in the Persian Gulf, Nimitz was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for its deployments in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2007 and 2008. The award was presented by Admiral Gary Roughead in a ceremony on the ship on January 6, 2010.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68), after 2010, continued its significant role in U.S. Navy operations. The carrier undertook several notable deployments and operations, highlighting its versatility and enduring capability.

In 2013, the Nimitz was deployed to the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea, where it played a crucial role in Operation Enduring Freedom and supported U.S. military operations in the Middle East. The carrier returned to its home port in Bremerton, Washington, after completing these missions.

From 2015 to 2017, the Nimitz underwent a Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for maintenance and upgrades. This period was essential for ensuring the ship remained in optimal condition for future deployments.

In 2017, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) was deployed to the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean, where it participated in various joint exercises and operations, including operations against ISIS in the Middle East. The deployment concluded in December 2017.

In April 2020, the coronavirus was reported to have spread to Nimitz when the first case was reported on 7 April. One sailor had received a positive result the previous week after exhibiting symptoms and was subsequently placed in isolation and removed from the ship. Another crew member also tested positive but was reported to have not been working on the ship. On 27 April, Nimitz completed a 27-day quarantine and began COMPTUEX training.

On 5 July 2020, the ship was deployed in the South China Sea along with USS Ronald Reagan.

On 31 December 2020, acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller ordered Nimitz to return directly to her home port following a nearly ten-month deployment in the Fifth Fleet area of operation. The carrier was at the time supporting the withdrawal of U.S. troops in Somalia along with USS Makin Island and her amphibious ready group.

On 3 January 2021, in an abrupt reversal, acting Defense Secretary Miller ordered Nimitz to redeploy due to “recent threats issued by Iranian leaders against President Trump and other U.S. government officials.”

In May 2022, Nimitz led Carrier Strike Group 11 in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

On 28 November 2022, Nimitz departed Kitsap and sailed to San Diego to pick up the carrier strike group leadership. She left San Diego on 3 December 2022 for her Pacific deployment leading Carrier Strike Group 11 and embarking Carrier Air Wing 17. On 21 January 2023, she made a port call to Singapore, departing on 26 January 2023. On 26 February 2023, Nimitz made a port call in Guam. She arrived in Busan for a scheduled port visit on 28 March 2023. Nimitz logged her 350,000th arrested landing on 22 April 2023. On 24 April 2023, Nimitz arrived in Laem Chabang, Thailand for a scheduled port visit. She returned to her homeport on 2 July 2023.