Seaman Shawn Chirico, from Lithia, Fla., slacks off a bollard aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).
Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations.
USS Nimitz is a supercarrier of the U.S. Navy, and the lead ship of her class.
One of the largest warships in the world, she was laid down, launched and commissioned as CVAN 68 but was later re-designated CVN 68 (nuclear-powered multi-mission aircraft carrier) on June 30, 1975, as part of the fleet realignment. Nimitz was homeported at Naval Station Norfolk until 1987, when she was relocated to Naval Station Bremerton in Washington State (now part of Naval Base Kitsap).
Following her Refueling and Complex Overhaul in 2001, her homeport was changed to Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego. The homeport of Nimitz was again moved to Naval Station Everett in Washington State in 2012. In January 2015, Nimitz changed homeport from Everett back to Naval Base Kitsap.
Nimitz is now the oldest American aircraft carrier in active service.
The Free Press thanks the men and women who serve our country each day on land, air, and sea.
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