Nimitz News

Dear Family and Friends,

The past week was again filled with numerous tough - varsity military events. The events included: 5 days of flight ops, 3 underway replenishments, two .50 caliber gun shoots, propulsion plant drills, several general quarters drills, a precision anchorage, medical response drills, and many meetings. Without hesitation, I can proudly report that because of the crew’s dedication, the results of all events have been superb. Our trainers from Afloat Training Group and numerous other commands have expressed how impressed they are with the enthusiasm and professionalism aboard Nimitz.

I would like to take a paragraph and again advertise the Nimitz Children’s Christmas party. The Children’s Christmas party will be held on Saturday, 4 December, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. The location is the Warehouse Gym at Naval Air Station North Island – the same location as last year. In order to have the correct number of gifts, we need the child’s age and gender emailed to Funboss@nimitz.navy.mil no later than 24 November. Don’t miss it!

Also, for your info – the Nimitz web page address has changed. The public affairs staff continues to do a great job with the web page, providing links to articles, photos, and information for families – and for new Sailors checking aboard. The new web page address is: http://www.nol.navy.mil/homepages/cvn68/

Well, my assignment on Nimitz is nearly complete, and in one week, it will be time for me to detach. Over the last 30 months, I have been VERY PROUD to serve alongside 5,000 dedicated Sailors and it has been my honor to be their Captain. I was very lucky to have the privilege to serve as the NIMITZ Commanding Officer. Our ship, NIMITZ, is in very good shape and she is combat ready. But, when I think of NIMITZ, I think about the thousands of Sailors who make her the BEST Carrier in the Pacific. I have been trying to pass on my personal THANKS to thousands of Sailors who made NIMITZ so successful, and would like to single out a few people for their contribution. I was truly blessed to have several world class Executive Officers (XOs). Captain Bill Cone and Captain Joe Clarkson committed themselves to ensuring that every task and every detail to run a small city and warship were expertly managed. I was also blessed with the BEST Command Master Chief (CMC) in the Navy. CMC Penton is, without question, the most dedicated Command Master Chief in the Navy today.

I have one more week as the Captain and then Captain Ted Branch will assume command. Captain Ted Branch is standing by and is ready to go as the new Commanding Officer. I am pleased to pass command of NIMITZ to Captain Branch. He is a true professional who will lead Nimitz to even greater successes.

Thanks to all of our Family and Friends for being the supporters of the GREAT Sailors of USS NIMITZ.

With Greatest Respect,
Captain Bob Gilman
CO, USS Nimitz