Terrifying! What’s on board the USS Nimitz deployed to the Caribbean

Terrifying! Here’s what’s aboard the USS Nimitz, America’s oldest active aircraft carrier deployed to the Caribbean

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The United States Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is now in the Caribbean Sea with its battle group. The oldest carrier still in active service was deployed as Washington steps up pressure on Cuba.

The move into the area was confirmed by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). The announcement came alongside the U.S. Department of Justice’s move to charge former Cuban President Raúl Castro in connection with the 1996 downing of a plane, which killed three U.S. citizens.

What’s on board the Nimitz, the United States’ oldest active aircraft carrier

USS Nimitz is a carrier in the Nimitz class, the Navy’s large nuclear-powered aircraft carrier fleet. This ship was the lead unit of its class, hence the class itself is named Nimitz. Built by Newport News Shipbuilding Co. in Newport News, Virginia, it began operations in 1975.

Since then, USS Nimitz has been a cornerstone of U.S. naval power. The ship is now known as the oldest U.S. carrier still in active service.

In terms of size, USS Nimitz is colossal. It measures about 332.85 metres in length (1,092 feet). The flight deck spans 76.8 metres, covering around 18,211.5 square metres.

Its full load displacement is around 101,000 to 104,000 tonnes. With such dimensions, the Nimitz is not only a warship but can also serve as an afloat airbase.

Power comes from two Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors driving four steam turbines and four shafts. Total output is around 260,000 shaft horsepower or about 194 megawatts.

This propulsion system enables speeds over 30 knots. Because it is nuclear-powered, its range is very long and it does not depend on refuelling like conventional warships.

The ship also carries a very large crew, around 5,680 personnel, comprising 3,200 sailors and 2,480 airwing personnel.

This is why the USS Nimitz is often called a floating city. It houses not only sailors but also pilots, aircraft technicians, radar operators, weapons personnel, logistics staff, medical crews, and aviation support personnel.

The main strength of this carrier is not only its hull but also its air power. The Nimitz can carry around 90 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. In military operations, its composition can be adjusted to mission needs.

The embarked air wing for this deployment is Carrier Air Wing 17. The air wing comprises nine squadrons with various aircraft.

These include F/A-18C/E/F Super Hornets for combat missions, EA-18G Growlers for electronic warfare, E-2D Hawkeyes for airborne early warning, C-2A Greyhounds for logistics, and MH-60R/S Seahawks for various support roles.

USS Nimitz also has its own self-defence systems. The ship is equipped with four MK-38 Mod 2 25mm machine gun systems, two Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launchers, two MK-29 Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSM) launchers, and two MK-15 Phalanx CIWS.

These defence systems are designed to counter close-range threats, from missiles and aircraft to drones and small surface threats.

USS Nimitz does not sail alone in the Caribbean

Carriers like the Nimitz rarely operate alone. When underway, the carrier is typically the hub of a carrier strike group.

The carrier is always escorted by naval, air, and logistical assets to protect it, clear paths, extend operational reach, and strengthen combat capabilities.

In this Caribbean deployment, the USS Nimitz is accompanied by Carrier Air Wing 17, the destroyer USS Gridley, and the logistics ship USNS Patuxent.

Carrier Air Wing 17 provides the on-board airpower. The USS Gridley acts as an escorting destroyer to bolster protection of the fleet. The USNS Patuxent supports logistics needs during the operation.