The U.S. House Armed Services Committee has asked Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer to explore “the options that exist to extend the service life of USS Nimitz,” Kitsap Sun reports.
By U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Shawn Patrick Eklund. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Lawmakers are hoping that keeping the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier around after its 50-year service life will help the Navy achieve its desired fleet size.
The sailing branch wishes to have 12 aircraft carriers in service, it will achieve that goal in 2023 with the entry of USS John F. Kennedy into service. However, Nimitz is set to be retired in that year as well.