USS Nimitz (CVN-68): America's Supercarrier: 1975 to the Present

Launched in 1975, USS Nimitz is the oldest carrier in the U.S. Navy and the lead ship in a class that has projected American power and diplomacy across the globe for decades. Too late to see service on the waters off Vietnam, Nimitz has been at the center of many major operations since, including Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. All of that combined with its ever-evolving air wing have made CVN-68 popular with modelers.

If you plan to build one of the many available kits and are looking for a reference — or you are just interested in the history of this mighty vessel — grab USS Nimitz (CVN-68) — America’s Supercarrier: 1975 to the Present. Part of Schiffer’s Legends of Warfare series, this 112-page hardcover contains a treasure trove of images of the ship from the keel being laid through its service as part of Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS.

Author Sérgio Santana initially looks at the ship’s design, development, and features, then gets into the first cruise. After that, sections show Nimitz’s deployment during major incidents. It includes Operation Evening Light — the abortive mission to rescue the American hostage in Iran in 1980 — and the 1981 Gulf of Sidra Incident when Tomcats from Nimitz downed a pair of Libyan Su-22s. More than 100 photos, many in color, of the ship, its systems and crew, and the aircraft complement grace the book. So much inspiration!