How many nuclear aircraft carriers does the U.S. have?
The United States Navy possesses 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
The U.S. Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Fleet
The United States maintains the world's largest and most powerful aircraft carrier fleet, consisting entirely of nuclear-powered vessels. These 11 carriers form the backbone of the U.S. Navy's global power projection capabilities, enabling sustained operations in international waters.
These formidable ships are in various stages of their operational cycle at any given time. Generally, they are either preparing for deployment, actively deployed across the globe, or have returned from a deployment and are undergoing essential maintenance and repairs to ensure their readiness for future missions. This rotating schedule allows the Navy to maintain a consistent global presence.
Composition of the Fleet
The U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier fleet is comprised of two distinct classes: the ten Nimitz-class carriers and the one active Gerald R. Ford-class carrier. The Gerald R. Ford class represents the next generation of supercarriers, incorporating advanced technologies and designs.
Here is a list of the 11 active U.S. nuclear aircraft carriers:
| Hull Number | Ship Name | Class |
|---|---|---|
| CVN-68 | USS Nimitz | Nimitz |
| CVN-69 | USS Dwight D. Eisenhower | Nimitz |
| CVN-70 | USS Carl Vinson | Nimitz |
| CVN-71 | USS Theodore Roosevelt | Nimitz |
| CVN-72 | USS Abraham Lincoln | Nimitz |
| CVN-73 | USS George Washington | Nimitz |
| CVN-74 | USS John C. Stennis | Nimitz |
| CVN-75 | USS Harry S. Truman | Nimitz |
| CVN-76 | USS Ronald Reagan | Nimitz |
| CVN-77 | USS George H.W. Bush | Nimitz |
| CVN-78 | USS Gerald R. Ford | Gerald R. Ford |
Operational Readiness and Global Presence
These nuclear aircraft carriers are designed for sustained operations without the need for frequent refueling, providing unparalleled endurance. Each carrier operates as the centerpiece of a Carrier Strike Group (CSG), which typically includes:
- Multiple escort ships (destroyers, cruisers)
- A submarine
- A carrier air wing (with approximately 70-90 aircraft)
- Supply ships
The continuous deployment of these CSGs ensures the U.S. can respond rapidly to crises, conduct humanitarian aid missions, and deter aggression in any region of the world.
The Future of U.S. Carrier Power
The U.S. Navy is transitioning to the Gerald R. Ford-class carriers, which are designed to offer increased sortie generation rates, reduced manning requirements, and enhanced power generation capacity for future technologies. While the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is currently the only active ship of its class, several others are under construction or planned, ensuring the continuation of America's carrier-based naval power for decades to come.
