~nimitZ :: larGest warship in the wOrld~

The ship was named after Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz

The USS MENHADEN (right) fly Fleet Admiral Nimitiz's flag from its mast just prior to it being hauled down

Admiral Nimitiz assuming command of the Pacific Fleet aboard the USS GRAYLING

The USS Nimitz, one of the world's largest aircraft carriers, docked in the waters off the Chenani port on Monday 2nd July. The nuclear powered carrier caused quite a storm in India with the Left expressing concern. But US officials have refused to confirm or deny whether there are nuclear weapons on board. The Government of India has assured that the Nimitz will not have any weapons on board when it docks off Chennai.

Notes of Interest

- Nimitz reaches over 18 stories high from the keel to the top of the mast. - The Hangar Bay extends for most of the ship's length. It is used for major repair and shelters the aircraft not needed for that day's flight schedule.

- Four distilling units enable Nimitz engineers to make over 400,000 gallons of fresh water a day, for use by the propulsion plants, catapults and crew. - Nimitz' Food Services Department provides 18,000-20,000 meals a day.

- Nimitz can stock at least 70 days of refrigerated and dry storage goods. - Literally tons of wash are done every day by Nimitz' laundry, dry cleaning and tailoring services personnel. - Nimitz' one barber shop trims over 1,500 heads each week. - The Post Office processes more than one million pounds of mail each year.

- The ship has a fully-equipped dental facility, staffed by five dentists. - The Medical Department is manned by six doctors, including a general surgeon, who provide everything from surgery to hydro-therapy.The ship also features a 53-bed hospital ward, a three bed ICU, and acts as the hospital ship for the entire Nimitz battle group.

- Nimitz' three chaplains conduct daily religious services in an interdenominational chapel. - Nuclear power allows the ship to store 50 percent more ammunition and almost twice as much aviation fuel as the largest conventional carrier