Summary and Key Points: The U.S. Navy's iconic Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, in service since 1975, are set to be extended due to rising global tensions and delays in the Ford-class replacement program.

-Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell confirmed plans to extend the lifespan of these carriers, given their crucial role in naval operations and the current strain on fleet resources.

-While the Ford-class carriers promise advanced capabilities like reduced crew requirements and an electromagnetic catapult system, production delays and budget overruns have slowed their deployment. Consequently, the Navy will continue to rely on the proven Nimitz-class carriers until the Ford-class is fully operational.

At some point, the iconic fleet of Nimitz-class aircraft carriers will be phased out of the U.S. Navy’s inventory. But it will be a while before the class at large. The lead ship debuted in 1975, but the Navy has plans to extend the venerable warships.

Despite being almost 50........

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