The designation of the 'oldest aircraft carrier still around' depends on whether "still around" refers to vessels currently in active military service or those that are physically preserved, such as museum ships.
Oldest Aircraft Carrier in Active Service
The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is currently the oldest aircraft carrier still in active military service. Commissioned on May 3, 1975, it is the lead ship of its class and has served as a cornerstone of the United States Navy's carrier fleet for decades. Known by its nickname "Old Salt," the USS Nimitz continues to play a vital role in global operations.
Oldest Aircraft Carrier Still Physically Existing (Including Museum Ships)
If "still around" encompasses vessels preserved as museum ships, then significantly older aircraft carriers exist. These ships, though no longer in active military service, are maintained for public education and historical preservation.
- USS Intrepid (CV-11): Commissioned in 1943 during World War II, the USS Intrepid served extensively in conflicts before being decommissioned. It is now part of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, making it the oldest aircraft carrier still physically existing in the world.
- USS Midway (CV-41): Commissioned in 1945, the USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, with 47 years of service. It is now a popular museum ship in San Diego, California.
The following table provides a comparison of these notable aircraft carriers:
| Ship Name | Status | Commissioning Year | Current Location (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USS Intrepid (CV-11) | Museum Ship | 1943 | New York City, USA |
| USS Midway (CV-41) | Museum Ship | 1945 | San Diego, USA |
| USS Nimitz (CVN-68) | In Active Service | 1975 | N/A (Operates globally) |
In summary, while the USS Nimitz is the oldest aircraft carrier still actively serving in a military capacity, the USS Intrepid is the oldest aircraft carrier that remains physically preserved today.
