About this Unit
The Marine Detachment (MARDET) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68) was established to provide shipboard security, ceremonial duties, and limited operational support as part of the ship’s crew. Traditionally, MARDETs have played crucial roles on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, ensuring the safety of nuclear weapons, enforcing discipline, and augmenting the ship's defense in emergencies. The Nimitz MARDET participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean, supporting both combat and humanitarian missions from the ship’s commissioning in 1975 until the early 1990s. The unit was disbanded in 1998 when the Navy ended the longstanding practice of assigning Marine Detachments to its surface ships.
Historical Facts
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Legacy of the Marine Detachment: The Marine Detachment (MarDet) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68) was part of a long-standing tradition dating back to the Age of Sail, when Marines served aboard Navy vessels for ship security, boarding parties, and ceremonial duties.
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Commissioning Year: The USS Nimitz was commissioned in 1975, and from its earliest days, it was assigned a Marine Detachment as part of its ship's company.
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Ceremonial Duties: Marines on the Nimitz performed ceremonial functions, including manning the rails during port visits, color guard duties, and representing the ship at official events.
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Ship Security: The MarDet was responsible for shipboard security, including manning the armory, providing a reaction force for emergencies, and overseeing the ship’s brig (jail).
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Presidential Visits: Marines from the Nimitz provided security and ceremonial support during high-profile events, such as President Ronald Reagan’s visit aboard the carrier in 1981.
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Disbandment of Shipboard MarDets: In 1998, the Navy and Marine Corps ended the tradition of permanently assigning Marine Detachments to aircraft carriers, including the Nimitz, as part of a broader reorganization.
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Notable Operations: During the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm), the Nimitz and its Marine Detachment participated in the enforcement of no-fly zones and readiness operations in the Persian Gulf.
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Unique Uniforms: MarDet members were often the only Marines on board, making them instantly recognizable in their distinctive dress blues during formal events.
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Small but Elite: The typical MarDet size on the Nimitz ranged from 35 to 50 Marines, hand-selected for their professionalism and ability to operate in the demanding environment of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
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Legacy Preserved: Although the formal Marine Detachment is no longer present, the legacy is honored at reunions, in ship museums, and by former crew members who recall the unique camaraderie and contributions of the MarDet aboard USS Nimitz.
