“Wherever the United States Ship Nimitz shows her flag, she will be seen as we see her now – a solid symbol of United States strength; United States resolve. Made in America and manned by Americans. Whether its mission is one of defense, diplomacy, or humanity, Nimitz will command awe and admiration from some, caution and circumspection from others and respect from all.” -Honorable Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States at the commissioning of …showed first 75 words of 618 total…

…showed last 75 words of 618 total…most powerful and competent class of warships. She will continue to lead the fleet well into this century and will not be forgotten as a symbol of our Navy’s “finest instrument of peace, power, projection, and platform for diplomacy”. Sources http://www.navy.mil/homepages/cvn68/history.htm http://www.navy.mil/homepages/cvn68/stats.htm http://www.navy.mil/homepages/cvn68/mission.htm http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/factfile/ships/ship-cv.html