The news service of the U. S. Naval Institute (USNI) reports that the oldest active aircraft carrier in the U. S. Navy, Nimitz, will remain in service longer than previously planned. Its retirement has been postponed until March 2027, roughly ten months later than originally scheduled.

According to USNI, the decision is tied to delays in the construction and commissioning of the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy. The outlet notes that under a law adopted in 2011, the U. S. Navy is required to maintain at least 11 aircraft carriers in active service.

USNI also reports that Nimitz completed its most recent full deployment in December 2025. It remains unclear whether the ship will participate in additional operations during the extended period of service. On March 14, the carrier left the U. S. Navy base at North Island. It is expected to sail around the southern tip of South America, take part in a series of exercises organized by U. S. Southern Command, and then arrive at its new home port at the naval base in Norfolk.

The Nimitz was launched on May 13, 1972. In 1980, the carrier took part in Operation Eagle Claw and returned to base after the mission failed. On September 16, 2022, while the ship was at sea, contamination of freshwater tanks with jet fuel was discovered on board the carrier.