#Nimitz-class carrier

[liamhen5]

Aircraft Carriers: Powerhouses of Modern Navies - A Deep Dive into Nimitz-Class, Queen Elizabeth-Class, and Global Carrier Fleets

Introduction to Aircraft Carriers

Aircraft carriers are monumental warships that serve as mobile airbases, enabling nations to project power far beyond their shores. They provide a platform for launching and recovering aircraft, which can perform a variety of roles, including air superiority, ground attack, anti-submarine warfare, and reconnaissance. These capabilities make aircraft carriers critical assets in modern naval strategy, allowing countries to exert influence over vast maritime regions, respond quickly to crises, and support global military operations.

Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carriers

The Nimitz-class carriers are a class of ten nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in service with the United States Navy. Named after Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, a key figure in the Pacific theater during World War II, these carriers have been the backbone of the U.S. Navy's carrier fleet since their introduction in the 1970s.

Design and Specifications: Nimitz-class carriers are among the largest warships in the world, each displacing around 100,000 tons. They measure approximately 1,092 feet in length and have a beam of 252 feet. Powered by two nuclear reactors, these carriers have a virtually unlimited range and can operate for over 20 years without refueling, providing sustained presence and flexibility.

Capabilities: The Nimitz-class carriers can accommodate about 90 aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2C Hawkeyes, and MH-60R/S helicopters. The flight deck is equipped with four steam catapults, enabling rapid launch and recovery of aircraft. Advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and missile defenses protect the carrier from various threats, ensuring it can operate effectively in contested environments.

Role and Deployment: Nimitz-class carriers have been deployed globally, participating in combat operations, humanitarian missions, and training exercises. They play a crucial role in projecting U.S. power, providing a credible deterrent, and supporting allies. Notable deployments include operations in the Persian Gulf, where they have supported combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and disaster relief efforts in Southeast Asia.

Queen Elizabeth-Class Aircraft Carriers

The Queen Elizabeth-class carriers mark the Royal Navy's return to operating large aircraft carriers. This class comprises two ships: HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. These carriers are the largest and most advanced warships ever built for the Royal Navy.

Design and Specifications: Each carrier displaces around 65,000 tons and measures 920 feet in length. They are conventionally powered, utilizing integrated electric propulsion systems. The design features twin islands, which improve command and control, and a ski-jump ramp for short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) operations. The flight deck is capable of accommodating up to 40 aircraft.

Capabilities: The Queen Elizabeth-class carriers are designed primarily to operate the F-35B Lightning II, a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter capable of STOVL operations. They can also deploy various helicopters, including the Merlin for anti-submarine warfare and airborne early warning, as well as Chinooks for troop transport. These carriers are equipped with advanced radar and self-defense systems, ensuring they can operate in high-threat environments.

Role and Deployment: These carriers enhance the UK's ability to project power globally. HMS Queen Elizabeth has already completed her maiden operational deployment, integrating with NATO allies and participating in multinational exercises in the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific. The Queen Elizabeth-class carriers are expected to be central to the UK's defense strategy, providing rapid response capabilities and supporting international security efforts.

Aircraft Carriers by Country

Aircraft carriers are a potent symbol of naval power, and several nations operate or are developing carriers to bolster their strategic capabilities.

United States: The U.S. Navy operates 11 aircraft carriers, including the Nimitz-class and the new Ford-class, which will eventually replace the older Nimitz-class ships. These carriers form the core of the U.S. Navy's blue-water capabilities, ensuring global reach and influence. The Ford-class carriers introduce advanced technologies, including electromagnetic catapults and improved nuclear reactors, enhancing operational efficiency and combat capability.

United Kingdom: The Royal Navy operates two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, which restore its ability to conduct carrier strike operations. These carriers are pivotal to the UK's defense strategy, enabling rapid response to crises and supporting global security efforts. Their integration with F-35B aircraft and advanced support systems enhances their operational versatility and effectiveness.

France: The French Navy operates the Charles de Gaulle, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Commissioned in 2001, it supports a range of operations, from air superiority to anti-submarine warfare. The Charles de Gaulle has been deployed in various missions, including combat operations in the Middle East and humanitarian relief efforts. France plans to develop a new-generation carrier to replace it by the late 2030s, ensuring continued carrier capability.

China: China has been rapidly expanding its carrier capabilities, with two carriers currently in service: Liaoning (a refitted Soviet-era carrier) and Shandong (an indigenous design). A third, more advanced carrier, the Type 003, is under construction. These carriers signify China's growing naval ambitions and its desire to project power in the Asia-Pacific region. They support China's strategy of securing its maritime interests and extending its influence.

India: The Indian Navy operates INS Vikramaditya, a modified Kiev-class carrier, and is building its first indigenous carrier, INS Vikrant. These carriers are crucial for India's strategic presence in the Indian Ocean and beyond. They enhance India's ability to project power, support regional stability, and respond to maritime threats.

Russia: Russia's carrier capability is currently limited to the Admiral Kuznetsov, a vessel that has faced numerous technical challenges and is undergoing a lengthy refit. While Russia has plans to develop new carriers, financial and technical hurdles have delayed progress. Despite these challenges, Russia continues to prioritize carrier development as part of its broader naval modernization efforts.

Other Countries: Several other nations, including Italy, Spain, and Japan, operate smaller carriers or amphibious assault ships capable of launching fixed-wing aircraft. These platforms enhance their regional capabilities and support international operations. For instance, Japan's Izumo-class ships are being modified to operate F-35B aircraft, reflecting a strategic shift towards increased carrier capability.

Conclusion

Aircraft carriers by country remain a central component of modern naval strategy, offering unmatched versatility and power projection. The Nimitz-class and Queen Elizabeth-class carriers exemplify the pinnacle of carrier design and capability, each serving their respective nations' strategic needs. As more countries seek to develop or expand their carrier capabilities, the global naval landscape continues to evolve, underscoring the enduring importance of these formidable vessels. Whether through deterrence, humanitarian aid, or combat operations, aircraft carriers will continue to shape the future of naval warfare.

[ghostwarriorrrr]

🔴E-2C Hawkeye Land On Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carrier

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2007) - An E-2C Hawkeye, attached to the squot; Golden Hawks squot; of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112, lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) after completing a training mission as part of exercise Valiant Shield 2007. The John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are participating in Valiant Shield 2007, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jon Hyde

[lonestarbattleship]

"Proceedings Photo of the Week: Sailors pet Lucky, a therapy dog from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, in the hangar bay onboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76) as the ship prepares to depart Naval Air Station North Island, California."

Photographed by Charlotte Dudenhoeffer on August 10, 2024.

Posted on the U.S. Naval Institute Facebook page: link

[todays-problematic-ship]

Today’s Problematic Ship is the USS Harry S. Truman

The USS Harry S. Truman is a Nimitz-class nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Late at night, local time, on February 12, 2025, near Port Said, Egypt, the northern mouth of the Suez Canal, the 332 m, 100 000 tonne warship collided with the M/V Besiktas-M. The latter is a Panama-flagged, 188.5 m, 53000 tonne bulk carrier. As of February 13, the extent of the damage to either ship is unknown, but there are so far no reports of casualties aboard.

[judgemark45]

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Dec. 28, 2024) E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes assigned to the “Black Eagles” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113 are taxied onto the carrier aircraft elevator aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier (CVN 70), Dec. 28, 2024. Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nate Jordan)

[planesawesome]

PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 13, 2022) A F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the “Golden Dragons” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192, taxis on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during fixed wing flight operations. Vinson is currently underway conducting routine maritime operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Analice Baker)

[lordadmiralfarsight]

Boat touching : shipping edition

"Rule for thee, but not for me ! Grab ‘em by the boaty !" - Trump, apparently

As you may or may not have heard, President Trump, the world’s most economically illiterate dorito (no, he is not a tangerine, he is far too salty for that) has decided that China is being bad on the waters of the 7 seas too, and has decided that the perfect retaliation to such dishonor would be a tax on Chinese ships. Yes, yes, not products, ships. That come into US ports. With stuff on board. Those ships. One might expect a nation that so passionately tells the world ‘don’t touch our boats’ to understand that molesting other peoples’ fleet may not be conductive to a better situation, but alas, here we apparently are going. So, since this is a rather niche topic, but with wide reaching consequences, I have decided to continue in my glorious efforts to become the Economy Side of Tumblr (what has my life come to) and explain just how deeply and passionately boned we are if this goes from proposal to law.

The facts

First off, let us set this stage with the letter of the (proposed) law.

The text (called USTR) has 3 tax triggers :

- The ship is operated by a Chinese company, 500K to 1 million dollars of entry fee

- The ship is chinese-made or its owner company has chinese-made ships, 500K to 1,5 million dollars of entry fee

- The company ordered a ship in China, 500K to 1 million dollars of entry fee

It is currently unclear to me if those fees are cumulative, despite looking it up, I could not find an answer at this time, the only thing clear is that the fee, whatever it ends up being, will be paid at each entry into a US port. I suspect the cumulativity of the fees will be left to interpretation and later deliberation, which creates deep economic uncertainty, easily one of the most hateful kinds of uncertainty.

I mean, not knowing if you’re ordering oatmeal or chocolate cookies is already bad enough, but not knowing if the ship carrying them to your shores is going to pay 500k to 1,5 million dollars or 500K to 3,5 million dollars PER STOP is just … that ruins the cookies regardless of what you get. No amount of milk can salvage that. In large parts because, at this point, each cookie may end up costing as much as the entire bottle of milk.

“Oh hoho, oh Admiral, you jokester, you jester, you funny person you”, you say desperately hoping that I am joking. But you are desperate for a reason. There is no humor here, there is no mirth or hope or joy, only suffering and taxes. And barnacles. Those get everywhere on topics related to the sea. But mostly taxes.

Second, container ships tend to make 3 to 4 stops in US ports for a single trip (as explained in this lovely article from the Cato Institute), which results in a total potential sum of 1,5 to 14 million dollars. Per ship. For a single trip. You can scream now.

Third, how many companies could be affected by this issue ? I do not have a precise number, in large parts because “who has Chinese ships” wasn’t exactly a metric that got tracked before, but the answer to that question is in an order of magnitude scientifically called “a metric fuckton”. You see, the chinese fleet of cargo ships represents 19% of the global total of cargo ships. And I mean ocean-going cargo ships. So that’s a good 5th of worldwide maritime trade having to scrape off even their barnacles to try and make payments. But that’s just Chinese companies. You also have to take into account that China has 50% of all shipbuilding market shares, meaning it builds half the commercial ships in the world. Among which are 95% of container ships. The big chunky bois, those that can get to lengths greater than the Nimitz class super-carriers operated by the US Navy and do a respectable 2/3rd of their width. Oh, and China also does 86% of intermediate sized cargo ships.

Fourth, fun fact : big container ship dockyards stopped operating in the US in 1980. You know, just in case you thought you could revive that industry quickly, or on the cheap, or on the costly. Or at all, really. Building those big ships is VERY costly, and takes very long, and also there’s no adapted infrastructure in the US for ships of that size outside of military dockyards (which are already being used, thank you). So between the cost to build the new dockyards, train employees, build the ship itself and recruit and train a crew … Oh, and the end result would likely not even be competitive price-wise. You know, just in case you had any hope left for that.

Five, SALVATION ! One can have their entry fees waved, if only they have a USA made ship enter into a US port with stuff on board, huzzah, Trump 5D chess confirmed !!!! All you have to do is have a US-made ship enter a US port for each Chinese-made ship that does the same ! Surely, the overbooked, chronically late, undersized ship-building industry of the US will be up to the challenge !!!! Yeah, no, I can’t keep this up any longer. That’s not going to work. It’s not even being spoken about in most of the articles I’ve seen, that’s how insignificant in reality that measure is.

Boat touching, and why it is a bad idea

Now, let’s talk about the funny part : the consequences ! Aaaah, FO, what a wonderful acronym. Am I telling people to fuck off or to find out ? What suspense !

First off, the obvious : if the fee is on entry into US ports, why not go elsewhere ? Good question ! And honestly, it’s likely that it will happen, to some degree. The obvious answer would be Mexico or Canada, but it’s unlikely they could absorb all that transit, which would results in slow-downs (and thus, lost money) in a lot of logistic chains. As you may have guessed, disrupted logistic chains aren’t exactly economically tasty.

Mexico in particular doesn’t have that many ports adapted to such large ships and large numbers of containers, meaning there’d be even more slow-downs. And then there’s the issue of getting the goods across the border, and Trump can definitely decide to slap on even more tariffs, he’s like that. So more slow-downs for even more costs ! Yay ! But meanwhile, US ports would still see lower numbers of ships coming through, meaning less activity and less cash-flow, meaning job losses.

Second, you have to consider the impact on US exports. Because you see, Chinese-made or owned ships don’t just come in, drop stuff off and disappear over the horizon with a vaguely oriental soundtrack, we’re in reality, with serious people, they drop containers off in 3 or 4 ports, all while picking up containers of US exports at each stop. So the fees to sail into port will be spread on both the foreign imports and on US exports. Meaning US exports will cost more, compounded by retaliatory tariffs. Meaning competitors will be cheaper, or even than US products will leave reasonable price ranges. Either way, loss of sales and income for US companies, and thus loss of jobs.

Third, this will increase prices inside the US, once again compounded by tariffs, but this time Trump’s tariffs. Either way, this will increase prices of products, likely pricing out entire communities, or making entire companies economically non-viable. As you guesses, that means job losses, but also loss of comfort.

Fourth, some degree of economic chaos as worldwide shipping reorganizes to face this new and unpleasant situation. And that will likely hit everyone to some degree, so expect some grudges to spawn from that, too.

In conclusion, while there is reasonable concern to be had about China’s dominance of shipbuilding, Trump’s measures will do a grand total of fuck all to solve that issue. All they will really do is make the situation worse and costlier for the US. The measure aims for an impossibility (speedy resurrection of a US shipbuilding sector for large scale cargo ships) without doing anything to support that or to make such an activity economically viable in the US. It is, in effect, an economic scarification ritual, based entirely on the idea that by hurting others and themselves and incantating enough, the US will be able to magic viable dockyards into existence and produce ships quickly.

I hope I don’t have to explain why that’s not realistic. And honestly, I am almost impressed, it’s incredible to come up with a policy that harms that many different economic agents in your own country. Honestly, at this point, I don’t know if Trump’s economic policies are dictated by The Most Incompetent failed student, or by a squad of drunk chimps going ham on a typewriter and somehow randoming their way into only the worst possible economic policies. If Trump suddenly subsidizes banana plantations, we’ll know, and likely be in better hands, even with how psychotic chimps are.

[dangerousthingobservation]

An F-14 Tomcat assigned to the "Black Lions" of Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VF-213) launches from the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

[captain-price-unofficially]

USS Independence (CVL-22) taken in 1943, compared to a modern Nimitz-class carrier, superimposed approximately to scale

[lost-boy-into-the-upper-heavenly]

The Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) making her way down the Elizabeth River after departing the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

For a ship the size of a supercarrier, navigating the river is no small feat. A cloud of silt can be seen behind the carrier, stirred up by her massive screws. Tugs maintain close formation around the carrier, ready to step in if needed.

After navigating the river, the carrier will return to her base at Naval Station Norfolk at Hampton Roads.

At the top of the photo, the stern and upperworks of the Iowa class battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64) can be seen.

[liamhen5]

Aircraft Carriers: The Titans of Naval Power - An In-Depth Look at Nimitz-Class, Queen Elizabeth-Class, and Global Fleet Dynamics

Introduction to Aircraft Carriers

Aircraft carriers are the cornerstone of modern naval warfare, acting as seagoing airbases that project power across the globe. They enable nations to launch and recover aircraft far from their own shores, providing air superiority, sea control, and support for ground operations. The ability to deploy a carrier strike group can influence geopolitical dynamics, deter aggression, and offer humanitarian aid.

Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carriers

The Nimitz-class carriers are a class of ten nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in service with the United States Navy. Named after World War II Pacific fleet commander Chester W. Nimitz, these carriers have been the backbone of the U.S. Navy's carrier fleet since the 1970s.

Design and Specifications: Nimitz-class carriers are among the largest warships in the world, each displacing around 100,000 tons. They measure approximately 1,092 feet in length and have a beam of 252 feet. Their nuclear reactors provide virtually unlimited range and endurance, allowing them to operate for over 20 years without refueling.

Capabilities: These carriers can carry around 90 aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2C Hawkeyes, and MH-60R/S helicopters. The flight deck, equipped with four steam catapults, allows for rapid launch and recovery of aircraft. Advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and missile defenses protect the carrier from threats.

Role and Deployment: Nimitz-class carriers have been deployed globally in various roles, from combat operations in the Middle East to disaster relief efforts in Southeast Asia. Their presence serves as a deterrent and demonstrates the United States' commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation and international security.

Queen Elizabeth-Class Aircraft Carriers

The Queen Elizabeth-class carriers represent the Royal Navy's return to operating large aircraft carriers. The class consists of two ships: HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. These carriers are the largest and most advanced warships ever built for the Royal Navy.

Design and Specifications: Each carrier displaces around 65,000 tons and measures 920 feet in length. Unlike the Nimitz-class, they are conventionally powered, using integrated electric propulsion systems. Their design features twin islands for improved command and control, a ski-jump ramp for short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) operations, and a flight deck capable of accommodating up to 40 aircraft.

Capabilities: The Queen Elizabeth-class carriers are designed primarily to operate the F-35B Lightning II, a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter. They can also deploy helicopters like the Merlin for anti-submarine warfare, airborne early warning, and troop transport. Advanced radars, self-defense systems, and modular design features make these carriers highly versatile and capable.

Role and Deployment: These carriers are intended to enhance the UK's ability to project power globally. HMS Queen Elizabeth has already been deployed on her maiden operational deployment, integrating with NATO allies and participating in exercises in the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific.

Aircraft Carriers by Country

Aircraft carriers are a symbol of naval prowess, and several nations operate or are developing carriers to enhance their strategic capabilities.

United States: The U.S. Navy operates 11 aircraft carriers, including the Nimitz-class and the new Ford-class, which will eventually replace the older Nimitz-class ships. These carriers form the core of the U.S. Navy's blue-water capabilities, ensuring global reach and influence.

United Kingdom: The Royal Navy operates two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, restoring its ability to conduct carrier strike operations. These carriers are pivotal to the UK's defense strategy, enabling rapid response to crises worldwide.

France: The French Navy operates the Charles de Gaulle, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Commissioned in 2001, it supports a range of operations from air superiority to anti-submarine warfare. France is planning a new-generation carrier to replace it by the late 2030s.

China: China has been rapidly expanding its carrier capabilities, with two carriers currently in service: Liaoning (a refitted Soviet-era carrier) and Shandong (an indigenous design). A third, more advanced carrier, the Type 003, is under construction. These carriers signify China's growing naval ambitions and its desire to project power in the Asia-Pacific region.

India: The Indian Navy operates INS Vikramaditya, a modified Kiev-class carrier, and is building its first indigenous carrier, INS Vikrant. These carriers are crucial for India's strategic presence in the Indian Ocean and beyond.

Russia: Russia's carrier capability is limited to the Admiral Kuznetsov, a troubled vessel undergoing a lengthy refit. While Russia plans to develop new carriers, financial and technical challenges have delayed progress.

Other Countries: Several other nations, including Italy, Spain, and Japan, operate smaller carriers or amphibious assault ships capable of launching fixed-wing aircraft. These platforms enhance their regional capabilities and support international operations.

Conclusion

Aircraft carriers  by Country remain a central component of modern naval strategy, offering unmatched versatility and power projection. The Nimitz-class and Queen Elizabeth-class carriers exemplify the pinnacle of carrier design and capability, each serving their respective nations' strategic needs.

As more countries seek to develop or expand their carrier capabilities, the global naval landscape continues to evolve, underscoring the enduring importance of these formidable vessels. Whether through deterrence, humanitarian aid, or combat operations, aircraft carriers will continue to shape the future of naval warfare.

[usafphantom2]

U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II launches from Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as the ship participates in the Force Integration phase during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 July 15.

@AirPowerNEW1 via X

[aviationgeek71]

An F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 lands aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while the ship is underway in the Atlantic Ocean, October 25, 2023.

[the-delta-42]

#hypa 1/1100 #usscarlvinson #cvn70 #usscarlvinsoncvn70 #usnavy #nimitzclass #aircraftcarrier #postworldwar2 #postworldwarii #postww2 #postwwii #modelship #modelbuilding

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[nothoughtsgarf]

August 09, 1980 (from the August 1980 page)

Google says that a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier weighs about 99,000,000 kilograms. A Garfield Funko Pop is 2.5 in long, 2.5 in wide, and 3.75 in high.

2.5in x 2.5in x 3.75in = 23.4375 inches3

99,000,000 kilograms / 23.4375 inches3 = 4224000 kg/in3

4224000 kg/in3 = 257764295.1 g/cm3

Which is 11,405,500x more dense than Osmium, the densest element naturally found on Earth

What a remarkably compact and arguably impossible homunculus

[judgemark45]

RED SEA (Feb. 6, 2024) Sailors work on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in the Red Sea, Feb. 6. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (Official U.S. Navy photo)