USS Nimitz achieves 100,000th aircraft launch milestone

The lead ship of the US Navy’s Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers launched the 100,000th aircraft from catapult two, marking the second time the ship has achieved this milestone. 

Catapult one launched its 100,000th aircraft on October 7, 2009.

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, from the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146, had the honor of making this milestone launch on September 25.

Getting catapult two to this milestone is exciting for the crew that works on these catapults daily as they know all that goes into each and every launch, said Nimitz’ aircraft launch and recovery equipment (ALRE) officer Lt. j.g. Gabriel Quinlin, from Indianapolis, Indiana.

“The reason 100,000 shots is a significant milestone is because every catapult shot requires maintenance,” said Quinlin.

Quinlin has been Nimitz’ ALRE officer since May, 2015 and has seen the tremendous work it takes to get these catapult ready for the daily grind of being on deployment.

“Catapult two was in pieces before we left for deployment, and it took a complete overhaul and an immense amount of hard work from the crew to get it up and ready to go,” said Quinlin.
“Now we continue to make sure it’s ready to operate safely by performing checks prior to and after each launch, in addition to our numerous; daily, weekly and monthly workups.”

Since the Nimitz has been deployed, this catapult alone has been responsible for over 1,200 launches. This is thanks in large part to the crew who work diligently everyday behind the scenes and below deck to make sure each launch on the flight deck is a successful one, said Quinlin.

“100,000 launches, 42 years of service, and this ship is still out here getting the work done,” said Captain Kevin P. Lenox, commanding officer of the Nimitz.

It’s the crew that is responsible for that success and they should all feel proud of the work they do every day to continue to make those launch numbers grow, said Lenox.

Nimitz is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of operation Inherent Resolve. While in this region, the ship and strike group are conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserve freedom of navigation, and maintain the free flow of commerce.