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The Oldest Aircraft Carrier in the U.S., USS Nimitz, May Pass by Brazil During Its Final Voyage Before Retirement After More Than 50 Years of Service.
The possible passage of the oldest aircraft carrier in the U.S. by Brazil has once again caught the attention of naval aviation enthusiasts. The legendary USS Nimitz (CVN-68), which is nearing the end of its long career in the United States Navy, may cross the Brazilian coast in the coming weeks during its final voyage before retirement.
The movement is part of the ship’s transfer to the Norfolk base in Virginia, where it will be officially deactivated after more than five decades of service.
This crossing involves an unusual route: since super aircraft carriers of this size cannot transit the Panama Canal, the ship needs to navigate around the entire South America to reach the Atlantic.
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With over 15,000 tons, radars capable of tracking hundreds of targets simultaneously, and more than 120 missiles ready for launch in seconds, modern destroyers cease to be escorts and begin to dominate the naval battlefield.
Therefore, there is a possibility that the historic military ship may once again appear in Brazilian waters, repeating visits made in the past.
Military Exercise May Bring the Aircraft Carrier to Brazil
During the long transfer voyage, the oldest aircraft carrier in the U.S. could participate in military activities with partner countries in the region.
This type of movement is often utilized by the U.S. Navy to conduct multinational exercises.
One of the most well-known trainings in this context is the Southern Seas exercise, which brings together naval forces from South America and the United States in joint operations at sea.
When an aircraft carrier crosses between the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, these activities help strengthen military cooperation among participating countries.
The last edition of the exercise took place in 2024 and featured the USS George Washington (CVN-73), another American super aircraft carrier that docked in Rio de Janeiro.
Ship Marked the History of Naval Aviation
Long before commencing its farewell voyage, the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) already held a prominent place in contemporary naval history.
The gigantic aircraft carrier was launched in 1972 and marked the beginning of a new generation of super aircraft carriers in the United States Navy.
The vessel inaugurated the so-called Nimitz class, one of the most important series of military ships ever built.
The name of the class was chosen to honor Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who led the American fleet in the Pacific campaign during World War II.
Recognized by historians as one of the greatest strategists in U.S. naval history, the admiral played a crucial role in conducting operations that led to Japan’s defeat in that conflict.
Replacement by New Generation of Aircraft Carriers
Although nine other Nimitz-class ships are still in operation, the oldest aircraft carrier in the U.S. will be the first to be retired from service.
The retirement comes at a time when the United States Navy is beginning to adopt a new generation of super aircraft carriers.
The main representative of this new phase is the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which introduces more modern technologies and advanced aircraft operation systems.
As a result, older ships are gradually being replaced by more efficient and technologically advanced vessels.
Historical Episodes Marked Nimitz’s Career
Over more than 50 years of operation, the oldest aircraft carrier in the U.S. has participated in various important events in contemporary history.
Among them is support for the mission to rescue American hostages at the United States Embassy in Tehran in 1980.
The operation eventually failed but became one of the most well-known episodes of the crisis between the two countries.
Another significant moment occurred during the so-called Gulf of Sidra Incident, a confrontation between American and Libyan forces that partly inspired the plot of the film Top Gun.
In the 21st century, the ship also supported military operations in Afghanistan, which began in 2001, and during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Aircraft Carrier Also Became Famous in Cinema
Besides military history, the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) has also gained prominence in popular culture.
The ship starred in the film The Final Countdown (1980), known in Brazil as Nimitz – De Volta ao Inferno.
In the movie, the aircraft carrier crosses a mysterious phenomenon and ends up traveling back in time to the days leading up to the Attack on Pearl Harbor, an event that led the United States to enter World War II.
Last Mission May Include a Visit to Brazil
If the ship does indeed pass by Brazil, the visit could mark a symbolic moment: the closing of the journey of one of the most well-known aircraft carriers in modern history.
The official itinerary for the voyage is still expected to be released in the coming weeks, when the scheduled stops and exercises during the USS Nimitz’s journey around the continent will be confirmed.
Sources: AeroIn; US Navy; Stars & Stripes.
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