EVERETT — The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz arrived in its homeport of Everett Naval Station early Monday morning following training with its strike group for an upcoming deployment.
The Nimitz, Carrier Strike Group 11 and Carrier Air Wing 11 successfully completed a joint task force exercise this past week, Navy officials said.
The exercise tested the strike group’s ability to operate in hostile and complex environments with other U.S. and coalition forces. The Nimitz had been away from Everett for six weeks.
“Nimitz, (Carrier Strike Group 11) and (Carrier Air Wing 11) displayed enormous resilience and competence while being tested as an integrated force in the joint task force exercise,” said Rear Adm. Pete Gumataotao in a statement from the Navy. “I am confident with the integrated training we received we are now fully capable and combat ready to quickly respond to any maritime operation.”
More than 8,000 sailors worked together to hone their operational skills during the exercise, he said. Upon completion of the exercise, the Nimitz was deemed ready for combat operation and deployment.
The Navy has not announced when the Nimitz will depart on its next assignment. In the meantime, however, its crew has the chance to be home with family and friends for Thanksgiving.
“I’m very proud of Warrior Team 11’s performance during these past two months of integrated and joint training,” said Gumataotao. “We are ready to support our Navy’s mission anywhere, anytime.”
The Nimitz strike group includes the USS Shoup, USS Higgins, USS Princeton, USS Stockdale, USS William P. Lawrence, USS Preble and USS Antietam.
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