CVN-70

• Commissioning and Namesake: USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) was commissioned on March 13, 1982, and is named after Congressman Carl Vinson, who was known as the "Father of the Two-Ocean Navy" for his contributions to expanding the U.S. Navy before and during World War II. • Nimitz-Class Carrier: CVN-70 is the third Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier built for the United States Navy, following USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). • Homeport: The ship’s homeport is Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, where it is an integral part of the Pacific Fleet. • Operation Enduring Freedom: USS Carl Vinson played a critical role in Operation Enduring Freedom, launching airstrikes against Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001, attacks. • Bin Laden Burial at Sea: On May 2, 2011, USS Carl Vinson made history by conducting the burial at sea for Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, after he was killed by U.S. Navy SEALs in Pakistan. • Humanitarian Missions: The ship was deployed for humanitarian relief after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, providing medical assistance, supplies, and helicopter support to aid in disaster recovery. • Flight Deck Innovations: The Carl Vinson features a 4.5-acre flight deck and can carry up to 90 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, making it one of the most powerful warships in the world. • Carrier Strike Group One: CVN-70 serves as the flagship for Carrier Strike Group One, demonstrating American power and presence worldwide. • Extended Deployments: The ship has completed several extended deployments, including a 294-day deployment in 2005, which was one of the longest for any U.S. carrier since World War II. • Motto and Nickname: The ship’s motto is “Vis Per Mare” (“Strength from the Sea”), and it is affectionately known as “Gold Eagle” among its crew and in the fleet.