Nimitz Gets Underway for Sea Trials

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) departed from her homeport of Naval Base Coronado to perform sea trials June 30.

Sea trials assess the ship's readiness and capability following a 30-day carrier incremental availability (CIA) conducted when the ship returned from an extended deployment.

"We have accomplished some high quality maintenance on critical equipment and systems during this availability," said Capt. Paul O. Monger, Nimitz commanding officer. "For the next few days we get to validate that work by putting the ship through its paces."

During sea trials, Nimitz Sailors will test the ship's main engines and the aqueous foam forming film (AFFF) system. There will also be ship-wide training to ensure equipment and systems continue to be operated properly.

According to Machinist's Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Juan Finch, sea trials is a good opportunity to see if anything needs to be fixed before returning to a fully-operational status. "You wouldn't buy a used car without test driving it," he said.

As the ship conducts main engine tests, Air Department Sailors will also test one of the hangar bay's main AFFF firefighting systems.

"We're testing out the AFFF system to see if it's working properly while we're out here in case of a fire," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Rilwan Omisola.

"Sea trials offer a good chance for new people on Nimitz to experience life at-sea," Finch said.

"This is what the Navy is about. Going out to sea and doing your job," Finch said.

Nimitz is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 11. Nimitz returned home to San Diego March 26 after completing a successful eight-month Western Pacific deployment.