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Aircraft Carrier The aircraft carrier is the centerpiece of the Battle Group. During any international crisis, the Navy first assesses where its carriers are, a testament to this massive ship's strategic importance. The carrier's mission is to provide a strong presence in times of peace, and to operate and support aircraft attacks on enemies, protect friendly forces and engage in sustained operations in war. The Nimitz-class carriers, of which there are seven in operation and two under construction, are the largest warships in the world.  Their specifications are staggering: Power Plant: Two nuclear reactors, four shafts Length, overall: 1,092 feet (332.85 meters) Flight Deck Width: 252 feet (76.8 meters) Beam: 134 feet (40.84 meters) Displacement: Approx. 97,000 tons full load Speed: 30+ knots (34.5+ miles per hour) Aircraft: 85 Cost: about $4.5 billion each Crew: Ship's Company: 3,200 - Air Wing: 2,480 Armament: Four 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.) Date Deployed: May 3, 1975 (USS Nimitz)
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See QuickTime movie of an EA6B landing aboard USS
Independence from the point of view of the
pilot (2.7MB).