NORFOLK, Va., (July 10, 2026) - Nearly 3,000 Sailors of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) arrived at Naval Station Norfolk following a historic and successful four-month deployment to the U.S. Southern Command areas of operations, and participation in Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250 and the International Naval Review (INR) 250, July 9. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Oscar Pichardo)
“Nimitz and its crew performed outstandingly as they demonstrated unity, shared values, and commitment to global maritime security alongside our nation’s partners and allies,” said Rear Adm. Forrest Young, commander of Carrier Strike Group 8. “I am proud to have them join the Carrier Strike Group 8 team and to welcome them home.”
The Nimitz deployed in support of partnership building, homeland defense, and hemispheric security. Nimitz also participated in Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 2026 with allied and partner nations in the Atlantic, and proudly represented the nation and the Navy at International Naval Review (INR) 250.
“I am profoundly proud of the way Nimitz Sailors professionally represented our Navy and our Nation during this milestone deployment,” said Capt. Joseph Furco, commanding officer of Nimitz. “These extraordinary men and women truly embodied the Nimitz motto, ‘Teamwork, A Tradition,’ as we helped build America’s global maritime team throughout Southern Seas 2026, Fleet Exercise 250, and finally, International Naval Review 250. All of us onboard are also extremely thankful to the City of Norfolk for welcoming us back to this ship’s first and final homeport.”
Nimitz visited ports in Panama, Chile, Brazil, and Jamaica during the deployment. Nimitz will be permanently homeported in Naval Station Norfolk, training Naval Aviation’s next generation of warfighters, while standing ready to answer the Nation’s call as it has for the past 51 years.
Notable visitors to the Nimitz included Commander of the U.S. Southern Command, Gen. Francis L. Donovan; Commander of the U.S. Fourth Fleet, Rear Adm. Carlos A. Sardiello, and numerous foreign military and civilian leaders, including six heads of state.
U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime ready forces to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. (Published with permission of DOW)