Navy at a Crossroads: Extend or Retire the Nimitz Carrier

With the USS Nimitz nearing the end of its planned life, the U.S. Navy must choose between a costly, full life-extension that requires significant shipyard work (including reactor/refueling and structural repairs) or a lighter modernization that buys time but cannot replicate Ford-class capabilities. The decision hinges on industrial capacity, carrier availability, and the ongoing ramp-up of Ford-class production; some argue for a bridging extension to maintain presence, while others warn of the high cost and opportunity losses from tying up shipyards and delaying other readiness priorities.