RADM Bryan W. Compton, USN (Ret) July 12, 1972 to August 21, 1976

RADM Richard T. Gaskill, USN (Ret) August 21, 1976 to February 12, 1979

RADM John R. Batzler, USN (Ret) February 12, 1979 to February 26, 1982

Capt Matt Yelland, USN (Ret)
Kirk Douglas entered the NIMITZ family by portraying “Captain Matthew Yelland” in the 1980 motion picture “Final Countdown” and is an Honorary Captain of the USS Nimitz. February 25, 1982 to February 26, 1982

VADM Raymond P. Ilg, USN (Ret) February 26, 1982 to September 26, 1984

RADM Eugene D. Conner, USN (Ret) September 26, 1984 to August 28, 1987

VADM Brent M. Bennitt, USN (Ret) August 28, 1987 to September 16, 1989

RADM Robert C. Williamson, USN (Ret) September 16, 1989 to April 16, 1992

ADM John B. Nathman, USN April 16, 1992 to August 26, 1994

VADM Alfred G. Harms, Jr., USN (Ret) August 26, 1994 to November 08, 1996

RADM Issac E. Richardson, III, USN November 08, 1996 to June 08, 1999

Captain Steven F. Firks, USN June 08, 1999 to May 17, 2002

Capt. Robert J. Gilman May 17, 2002 to November 23, 2004

Capt. Ted Branch November 23, 2004 to March 16, 2007

Capt Michael Manazir March 16, 2007 to August 24, 2009

Capt Paul O. Monger August 24, 2009 to March 29, 2012

Capt Jeffery Ruth March 29, 2012 to July 08, 2014

Capt John C. Ring
USN Commanding Officer, USS Nimitz July 08, 2014 to January 12, 2017

Capt Kevin P Lenox
USN Commanding Officer, USS Nimitz January 12, 2017 to Present