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The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) will remain in service until March 2027, 10 months longer than initially planned, due to maintenance backlogs and an aging fleet. The US Navy has awarded a $96 million contract to Huntington Ingalls Industries for preparations related to its nuclear defueling and decommissioning.

After participating in exercises with United States Southern Command, the carrier will relocate to Naval Station Norfolk for further preparations. This extension is a response to delays in the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) delivery and the current strain on the US carrier fleet, which is facing a 'carrier crunch.'