USS Nimitz arrived in Norfolk after a four-month deployment that took the carrier from its long-time home in Washington state, around South America and finally to New York City, where it was the centerpiece of the 4th of July celebration.

“USS Nimitz, arguably the most iconic warship in the entire world ever to sail the seven seas, is now returning to the place where she was born,” said Capt. Joseph Furco.”I am so proud and humbled to be able to be the commanding officer to bring Nimitz back to her home after over 51 years of truly phenomenal service to our navy and our nation.”

The carrier was based in Norfolk when it was first commissioned in 1975 after being built at Newport News Shipbuilding. It stayed in Norfolk until 1987, when it moved to Washington state. It remained on the west coast, between Washington and San Diego, until it moved back to Norfolk this year. The ship will eventually be decommissioned at Newport News Shipbuilding, according to the Navy.

(Story by Steve Walsh and photos courtesy of the Department of Defense)  
  
Read more here: [https://www.whro.org/military-veterans/2026-07-10/the-navys-oldest-carrier-arrived-in-norfolk-after-what-is-expected-to-be-its-last-full-deployment](https://www.whro.org/military-veterans/2026-07-10/the-navys-oldest-carrier-arrived-in-norfolk-after-what-is-expected-to-be-its-last-full-deployment)

ICYMI: The Navy’s oldest carrier arrived in Norfolk after what is expected to be its last full deployment