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USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)

1982 COLD WAR MODERN NAVY

History of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)

The USS Carl Vinson is one of ten Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers operated by the U.S. Navy, the latest in the series being the USS Ronald Reagan and the USS George W. Bush.

The Nimitz class is further divided into Nimitz subclasses, Theodore Roosevelt subclasses, and Ronald Reagan subclasses. Vinson is part of the Nimitz subclass.

In addition to her 4 steam turbines, USS Carl Vinson's propulsion is provided by her two Westinghouse branded A4W nuclear power reactors. They power four large propeller shafts with a reported power of 260,000 shaft horsepower and can reach speeds of up to 30 knots. She displaces about 97,000 tons.

Like the other Nimitz-class carriers in the group, the Vinson required thousands of sailors to function fully. This is further reinforced by an aviation group of 2,480 people, which supports the flying wings of its approximately 90 aircraft, including helicopters.

Her offensive strikes are complemented by her defensive capabilities, which include 2 x Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile launchers and 2 x RIM Rolling Airframe missile launchers. Additionally, the 3 x 20mm Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) provides short-range anti-missile/air defense capabilities - that is, if anything gets past their aircraft and fleet defenses.

Carl Vinson first ordered in 1974, laid in 1975 and launched in 1980. She officially enlisted in the Army in 1982 and was based in Norfolk, Virginia.

Throughout her years of service, she adopted a variety of comical nicknames, including "Starship Vinson," "Chuckie V," "USS Chuck Wagon," and "Carl Prison." As of this writing, the Carl Vinson is in service.

February 2017 - The US Navy's announcement that the USS Carl Vinson has been patrolling the disputed South China Sea sparks outrage in China.

April 2017 - The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson is deployed to the Korean Peninsula region in response to repeated missile launches by North Korea.