USS CARL VINSON

• Namesake Significance: USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) is named after Carl Vinson, a U.S. Congressman from Georgia who served over 50 years and was known as "The Father of the Two-Ocean Navy" for his role in expanding the Navy before WWII. • Commissioning: The supercarrier was commissioned on March 13, 1982, at Newport News Shipbuilding, Virginia, as the third Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. • Operation Enduring Freedom: In 2001, USS Carl Vinson launched some of the first airstrikes into Afghanistan in response to the September 11 attacks, playing a pivotal role in Operation Enduring Freedom. • Osama bin Laden Burial: After the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011, his body was transported to USS Carl Vinson and buried at sea in a secret ceremony according to Islamic traditions. • Historic Homeport Shift: In January 2010, Carl Vinson changed its homeport from Norfolk, Virginia, to San Diego, California, symbolizing the Navy’s increasing focus on the Pacific. • Film Appearances: The carrier has featured in several movies and TV shows, including "Behind Enemy Lines" (2001) and "NCIS," showcasing its iconic flight deck and crew. • Humanitarian Mission: In 2010, Carl Vinson was among the first U.S. military assets to provide aid after the devastating Haiti earthquake, delivering supplies and medical assistance. • First F-35C Deployment: In 2021, USS Carl Vinson became the first carrier to deploy with the F-35C Lightning II, the Navy’s newest stealth fighter, marking a new era in naval aviation. • Largest Floating Memorial: The ship houses a memorial corridor with artifacts and displays honoring Carl Vinson’s legacy and the ship’s own history. • Presidential Visit: In April 2017, President Donald Trump visited USS Carl Vinson, underscoring the ship’s role in U.S. power projection during heightened tensions with North Korea.