The United States has 11 aircraft carriers spread across the world; four of them are in various stages of maintenance.

The Navy’s oldest aircraft carrier, which is scheduled to begin the retirement process this year, is back at sea for the South Seas 2026 exercise.

Targets have included command and control, headquarters, air defense sites, ballistic missile sites, anti-ship missile sites and communications centers. 

Military demands, delayed new carrier construction, protracted deployments and a congressional mandate to keep a minimum of 11 active carriers have cast doubt on whether the Nimitz is really going away.

Cmdr. James Koffi, commanding officer of the destroyer USS Truxtun, was relieved “due to a loss of confidence” in his ability to command.

Two people reported minor injuries after a U.S. Navy destroyer and a supply vessel collided during a replenishment-at-sea, according to U.S. Southern Command.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle said U.S. military options have too often fallen to carrier strike forces and advocated a “hedge strategy” that uses a mix of ships, aircraft and personnel “tailored” to each situation.

The carrier, designated CVN-79, is scheduled to be delivered for official commissioning into the Navy in March 2027.

The USS John F. Kennedy’s sea trials will give the Navy and builders a chance to operate crucial systems and components at sea for the first time — a key test before the ship’s scheduled commissioning in March 2027.

“Flying allows senior leaders to stay connected to our warfighting mission,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach.