Description
Aircraft carriers provide a wide range of possible response for the National Command Authority.

Features
The aircraft carrier continues to be the centerpiece of the forces necessary for forward presence. Whenever there has been a crisis, the first question has been: "Where are the carriers?" Carriers support and operate aircraft that engage in attacks on airborne, afloat, and ashore targets that threaten free use of the sea; and engage in sustained operations in support of other forces.

Aircraft carriers are deployed worldwide in support of U.S. interests and commitments. They can respond to global crises in ways ranging from peacetime presence to full-scale war. Together with their on-board air wings, the carriers have vital roles across the full spectrum of conflict.

The Nimitz-class carriers, eight operational and two under construction, are the largest warships in the world. USS Nimitz (CVN 68) was the first to undergo its initial refueling during a 33-month Refueling Complex Overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va., in 1998. The next generation of carrier, CVN 21, the hull number will be CVN 78, is programmed to start construction in 2007 and is slated to be placed in commission in 2014 to replace USS Enterprise (CVN 65 which will be over its 50-year mark. CVN 79 is programmed to begin construction in 2012 and to be placed in commission in 2018.

Background
The Carrier Mission is:

- To provide a credible, sustainable, independent forward presence and conventional deterrence in peacetime,

- To operate as the cornerstone of joint/allied maritime expeditionary forces in times of crisis, and

- To operate and support aircraft attacks on enemies, protect friendly forces and engage in sustained independent operations in war.

General Characteristics, Nimitz Class

Builder: Newport News Shipbuilding Co., Newport News, VA.
Date Deployed: May 3, 1975 (USS Nimitz).
Unit Cost: About $4.5 billion each.
Propulsion: Two nuclear reactors, four shafts.
Length: 1,092 feet (332.85 meters).
Beam: 134 feet (40.84 meters); Flight Deck Width: 252 feet (76.8 meters).
Displacement: Approximately 97,000 tons (87,996.9 metric tons) full load.
Speed: 30+ knots (34.5+ miles per hour).
Crew: Ship's Company: 3,200 - Air Wing: 2,480.
Armament: Two or three (depending on modification) NATO Sea Sparrow launchers, 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts: (3 on Nimitz and Dwight D. Eisenhower and 4 on Vinson and later ships of the class.).
Aircraft: 85.
Ships:
USS Nimitz (CVN 68), San Diego, CA
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Norfolk, VA
USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Norfolk, VA
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Norfolk, VA
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Everett, WA
USS George Washington (CVN 73), Norfolk, VA
USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Bremerton, WA
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Norfolk, VA
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), San Diego, CA
George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) - (keel laying 6 Sept 2003)

General Characteristics, Enterprise Class

Builder: Newport News Shipbuilding Co., Newport News, VA.
Date Deployed: November 25, 1961 (USS Enterprise).
Propulsion: Eight nuclear reactors, four shafts.
Length: 1,101 feet 2 inches (335.64 meters).
Beam: 133 feet (39.9 meters); 252 feet (75.6 meters).
Displacement: 89,600 tons ( 81,283.8 metric tons) full load.
Speed: 30+ knots (34.5 miles per hour).
Crew: Ship's Company: 3,350 - Air Wing 2,480.
Armament: Two Sea Sparrow missile launchers, three Phalanx 20 mm CIWS mounts.
Aircraft: 85.
Ships:
USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Norfolk, VA

General Characteristics, John F. Kennedy Class

Builder: Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA.
Date Deployed: September 7, 1968.
Propulsion: Eight boilers, four shafts, 280,000 total shaft horsepower.
Length: 1052 feet (315.6 meters).
Beam: 130 feet (39.6 meters); Flight Deck Width: 252 feet (76.8 meters).
Displacement: 82,000 tons (74,389.1 metric tons) full load.
Speed: 30+ knots (34.5 miles per hour).
Crew: Ship's Company: 3,117 - Air Wing 2,480.
Armament: Sea Sparrow missiles with box launchers, Three 20mm Phalanx CIWS.
Aircraft: Approximately 85.
Ships:
USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), Mayport, FL

General Characteristics, Kitty Hawk Class

Builder: New York Ship Building Corp., Camden, NJ.
Date Deployed: April 29, 1961 (USS Kitty Hawk).
Propulsion: Eight boilers, four geared steam turbines, four shafts, 280,000 shaft horsepower.
Length: 1062.5 feet (323.8 meters).
Beam: 130 feet (39 meters); Flight Deck Width: 252 feet (76.8 meters).
Displacement: Approx. 80,800 tons (73,300.5 metric tons) full load.
Speed: 30+ knots (34.5+ miles per hour).
Crew: Ship's Company: 3,150 - Air Wing: 2,480.
Armament: Sea Sparrow launchers, 3 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts.
Aircraft: 85.
Ships:
USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), Yokosuka, Japan