Aircraft Carriers - U.S. Navy Owner's & Operator's Manual 2004

All Hands, Jan, 2004

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.

Nimitz-class

Length, overall: 1,092 feet

Flight Deck Width: 252 feet

Beam: 134 feet

Displacement: Approx. 97,000 tons

Aircraft: 85

Speed: 30 knots (34.5 mph)

Crew: 3,200; Air Wing: 2,480

Armament: Two or three (depending on modification) NATO Sea Sparrow launchers, 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts: (three on Nimitz and Dwight D. Eisenhower and four on Carl Vinson and later ships of the class.)

Carriers:

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) USS George Washington (CVN 73) USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) USS Ronald Reagan (keel laid Sept. 6, 2003)

John F. Kennedy-class

Length, overall: 1,052 feel

Flight Deck Width: 252 feel

Beam: 130 feet

Displacement: 82,000 tons

Speed: 30 knots (34.5 mph)

Aircraft: 85

Crew: 3,117; Air Wing 2,480

Armament: Sea Sparrow missiles with box launchers, Three 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts.

Carriers:

USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

Enterprise-class

Length, overall: 1,101 feet 2 inches

Flight Deck Width: 252 feet

Beam: 133 feet

Displacement: 89,600 tons

Speed: 30 knots (345 mph)

Aircraft: 85

Crew: 3,350; Air Wing 2,480

Armament: Two Sea Sparrow missile launchers, three 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts.

Carriers:

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

Kitty Hawk-class

Length, overall: 1,062,5 feet

Flight Deck Width: 252 feet

Beam: 130 fee

Displacement: Approx. 80,800 ton

Speed: 30 knots (34.5 mph)

Aircraft: 85

Crew: 3,150; Air Wing: 2,480

Armament: Sea Sparrow launchers, three 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts

Carries:

USS kitty Hawk (CV 63)

* Under Construction

Source: Navy Fact File