USS Nimitz - VIP Tour & Flight Deck Action

After this . . . Check out the extra, extended footage clip.
• USS NIMITZ - VIP TOUR ...
A few years back, I got the great opportunity to spend two days on the USS Nimitz Aircraft Carrier, getting a grand tour of the giant ship, seeing behind the scenes on its operation, and getting to see deck launches and landings. It was one of the most awesome experiences I've ever had. I tried to document everything I could in this video clip, so check it out and let me know what you think.
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[@leroybowman891]

I spent 28 years and 9 months in Newport news shipyard, we build aircraft carriers and submarines. I spent three and a half years overhauling the USS Nimitz. I was a pipefitter,I feel it every piece of pipe from the size of a pencil to the size of a automobile tire. I walked that ship forward and aft, from the captain's observation tower to the very bottom of the ship. I enjoy those 28 years and 9 months as a pipefitter in the Newport news shipyard of Newport news Virginia.

[@timsebastian5758]

Leroy...thank you for your service! I was on the USS CANOPUS AS34 in Holy Loch, Scotland in 70-71. Submarine tender. I loved my time in the Navy also.

[@guerardleger700]

Bravo give him a scooby snaked

[@Xiefux]

so tell us, what is inside that purple pipe?

[@guytansbariva2295]

@@guerardleger700 Scooby Snack

[@guytansbariva2295]

@@Xiefux Grape juice, u Chinese spy 😎

[@Pz-cg4rh]

My grandbaby is stationed on the USS Nimitz. I could not be more proud of her. She completes the fifth generation of our family all US Navy and one US Air Force vet. I am proud to be an American.

[@bxb590]

I am ashamed to be an American.

[@madame-rosalitaduchesse7636]

You people always talk about "god bless america". Not god not only has created you and you arent the only country and not the exlusive country here. An aircraft carriet mayby fascinating but its a killing machine. No nation had right attack another. But your country often did it. Vietnam kuwait yugoslavia irac syria....no one want devastate your country so retire and stay at home. The world doent want have ww3. Even not by wackenhut skunkworks area 51 creating aids ebola coroma psychedelic warfare psychozronic weapons. So gods angels go blessing all people....god made the whole world!! You are not worldcop.

[@mikesprigg3496]

@@bxb590 A true American would not be ashamed to be an American /:^)

[@mikesprigg3496]

@@madame-rosalitaduchesse7636 Kill them all, let God sort them out

[@bxb590]

@@mikesprigg3496 FUCK YOU MIKE. Tried to find some human pride.

[@scottyhebert9050]

I served on her from 92 to March 1994, flight deck electrician. Awesome memories...

[@johnsmith-xh6je]

Hats off, thanks for serving !

[@dutch9664]

I serve before the pre commission winter of 74 to 79 ship service laundry and dry cleaning 1000lbs a day laundry and officer’s khakis. Barber shop 10 barbers 10 hrs to 12 hrs operation lots of hair good old days.

[@kingsolomon1841]

My brother is on as a helicopter maintenance thing

[@thestrum71]

A Swiss watch on the high seas. Not a lot of machine shops look that clean. The entire ship looks brand new. Kudos to the people building the Nimitz, and the ones living in it everyday. Engineering above top level, at all levels involved....

[@scorpdragon]

Thank you Kermit for posting! Most people never see the operation of a carrier from the perspective that you gave. I served onboard the Nimitz class CVN-70 USS Carl Vinson from 1985-1989 as a Nuclear Machinist Mate and still reflect on that experience to this day. I ended up doing three Western Pacific Cruises in four years. I reported aboard the ship via a C-2 COD in the Philippines. We missed our first trap! Imagine hanging by your seat belt looking straight down out the small circular side window at the ocean and ship below. I also catapulted off in an S-3 Viking for my dads funeral while transiting the Malacca straights during a USO concert featuring Pearl Bailey. I was seated with a few other sailors facing forward. My small gym bag almost met my face during launch! Thank you for the shout out to the crew, as they work around the clock to operate the ship around the world at all times and in all weather conditions. There are no holidays when deployed!

[@velocity550]

Fantastic! Glad to see they're taking care of my ship. I started working on it at Newport News Shipbuilding as an Outside Nuclear Machinist apprentice right out of high school in 1973. I got so lost the fist time I went onboard before the bulkheads and decks were numbered. Looks like a lot more paint has been added. So proud of the young men and women that take care of it and crew the ship. What a great opportunity, I wish everyone could experience it.

[@ianwinfield929]

velocity550 proud to follow in your footsteps as I am an outside machinist apprentice myself. I recently worked on the overhaul of the USS George Washington (CVN 73). Thanks for the quality and time you guys put into building these vessels as we continue to refuel and overhaul the remaining carriers in the Nimitz Class

[@jamesprice6381]

my dad actually help build the carrier in NPN shipyard that i would be on in my Naval carrer the USS AMERICA CV-66! We lived in Elizabeth city in early 70's, my dad was in a carpool to norfolk!

[@coldwarrior1137]

I wish I had the honor to tighten a single nut on this floating freedom island. Thanks for your great work!

[@rontreen3278]

@@jamesprice6381 I was on the USS America cv-66 75 to 79... I believe the Nimitz was parked next door to me on pier 12 in Norfolk when she was just commissioned.... I was in A division hydraulics... Steering and elevators... I was a fresh air snipe... wow the Nimitz is the oldest nuclear aircraft carrier... 46 years old!

[@waynemorgan1577]

Y'all done a great job on her. Served from 83-86 on her and even spent some time at NNSY when she underwent overhaul (tail end)...

[@balesguy]

Thanks for the well done video which brought back many good memories. I was a guest of my nephew on the Iraqi Freedom Tiger Cruise in 2003 and now at 80 years of age, it still remains as one of the highlights of my life. 6 full days and bunking with the pilots gave me full appreciation of the dedication and skill all those folks bring to their job to keep us all safe. Thank you and Go Navy!

[@Lordstanley0809]

Thank you Kermit for the wonderful video. My Navy son is heading for that awesome ship Oct 2021. God Bless America , My Nukie Son and all who protect us.

[@shortchange26]

After 4 and a half years serving in her and leaving in 1985 the changes on the island and surrounding flight deck is unrecognizable. 20 of the best years of my life. Absolutely amazing machinery.

[@YoungBlood507]

How great is KZbin to be able to watch these videos with unprecedented access most of us would never get the opportunity to and all for free with high quality! What a time to be alive

[@edh2293]

Thank you Kermit. As a crewmember on the USS Nimitz in the 1977 to late 1981 timeframe, this brought back great memories of the times. With it being decommissioned in the near future I am sure you can negotiate with the Navy to get some of the PriFly and gear from other areas donated to your Museum in Lakeland, which by the way is great in its own way, having spent several visits there. People ask what is the most important item on the ship, like in my timeframe it was the crew (all male then) average age was 18 then. No amount of money can substitute for the great work of those who keep it going every day. Thanks for the tour and look back in history, past and present.

[@bobsit1945]

Brings back some fond memories, was a Hospital Corpsman for VS-22 an S-3 Squadron for it's deployments on the USS Saratoga in 1980 and USS John F. Kennedy in 1982. Was assigned to the Medical Departments which were below the Hangar Bay on both ships, and whenever I had free time I would be up in the Squadron work and berthing spaces which were directly below the Flight Deck. While I loved being around my Squadron and it's crew, I'm so glad that I was berthed with the Medical personal way down in both ships, the noise that the Squadron personal had to put up with while they were sleeping was LOUD. Again, thank you for the fond memories

[@oscarlindelof1736]

Served in 2000. I was 18 years old. This ship was being replenished, feels good to see her float. Hull technician.

[@HulkHands54]

I got there in dec 03...back when they had DCs & HT's

[@bobmcelroy8208]

I deployed on the USS Enterprise during Tet in 1968. It was a hectic job on the flight deck, worked on A6A Intruders with VA-35 in the air wing. This video shows the activity pretty well. Also did a visit on the USS John F Kennedy in 2001 with my son and two brothers. It was a memory like no other. Hope to do something like this again soon. Thanks for the video.

[@pascalcoole2725]

That was certaily impressive !

[@meblakney]

Brings back the good ole days - Plane captain (green shirt) VF 41 Black Ace, There's nothing like the smell of JP-5 in the morning. We departed Norfolk for the sixth and final Mediterranean deployment on 30 December 1986. After four months and numerous Mediterranean port visits, the carrier crossed the equator en route to Rio de Janeiro. From Rio de Janeiro, she proceeded south around Cape Horn, in the dark during a bad storm and into the Pacific Ocean. After a brief stop in San Diego, to offload our air wing CVW8 then the ship went on to Bremerton Washington . The best cruise I've ever been on.

[@shonny61]

Thanks Kermit. I did something like 700 days underway on Nimitz back in the 80's. First time I heard of you was reading aviation magazines on deployment on that very ship. Now we've walked the same decks albeit 30 years apart. Your video brought back a lot of good memories, thanks again.

[@edh2293]

1977 TO 1981... Definitely brings back some memories. Such a pity its going to be retired soon and sold for razor blades. With few exceptions and females on board still looks awesome.

[@marktesta6670]

My father did the same tour being a retired Navy officer. And he said the same thing you did about the crew and how they operated together. Thanks so much for sharing that with us.

[@jimanderson1016]

Good see NIMITZ CVN-68 after more than 30 yrs. Was on her 86-88. Was a awesome time in my life.

[@bryanmahon7866]

I toured this ship in 1980, when stationed at Guantanamo Bay Cuba. I had no idea that this ship was commissioned only a few years earlier.. My tour wasn't as extensive as yours, but was an honor to get the tour I did. They could not bring the ship into dock because of its massive size, we had to be shuttled by boat to it. The one thing I remember more than anything, was how big it looked from shore, and then the closer we got to it, and then underneath the deck, overwhelmingly huge. Thank you for this video, it was so nicely done. Former Jarhead..

[@spiritualastronomy]

I like when at 35:00 you said, "I hope all my Facebook fans appreciate this." Well, I don't use Facebook, but I do love KZbin, and I'm really glad you posted this video. It was a video tour of a Carrier that I had never seen before. The PBS series on Carriers was very good, but your tour is uniquely different. This is a FANTASTIC video. Thank You!

[@bluzane]

I just watched the movie "Midway" and love it. Respect to Nimitz for the most strategic battles of Pacific.

[@TOBYH]

My father worked at treasure Island in the S.F. Bay for at least 25 yrs. when it was a navy station, he was the head electrician, he knew Admiral Nimitz very well, he would do wiring, anything electrical for the Admirals home, it is still there on top of Yerba Buena Island, Admiral Nimitz gave my dad a signed photo of him signing the end of the war treaty with the Japanese. It is a treasured photo for our family, I sent a copy to the Treasure Island Museum for them to put on the wall. My Dad spent 25 yrs in the Navy, fought in WW2 and Korea, he was a chief radioman and retired as a senior chief petty officer.

[@edzeljereza8234]

brought a lot of memories....USS KITTY HAWK CV-63, 1992-1995. my heart swells with pride.

[@jimlaws2162]

Terrific Video. Brought back some memories as I was on the Nimitz during the Iranian Hostage Crisis in 79-80. I was an E-4 on Admiral Kirksey’s staff and our birthing compartment was directly under the 3rd arresting gear. I can still sleep through anything as a result. During the times when we weren’t doing flight ops, my favorite spot was sitting on the bow of the flight deck because it was the only quiet place I could find. Thanks again for the video.

[@Tampa0123456789]

One of those videos that you didn't plan on watching but ended up watching the whole thing.

[@anthonyziemba6920]

Thanks for your video. I served 1977-1981 V-4 Division ABF 3 Fuels. Flight Deck. I did 2 major Cruises NATO exercise 175 ships the USS Nimitz the only aircraft carrier. North Atlantic. We became blue noses. From there we went Around the Horn of Africa Indian Ocean and became shellbacks the hostage attempt in 1980 of April. I fueled those HS Hercules helicopters ch-53. I was able to be part of the night Flight Deck crew during that launch for Rescue Attempt. We did our job getting those HS53 off the Deck. That was some Heavy Energy when that took place. We stoodbye to recover one of the HS53

[@lt1montess]

Did 8 years in the Navy. 5 of which I worked on F-14s, i cruised on the Kennedy, and Roosevelt.

[@seankukorlo7445]

I was on the Kennedy for its final cruise with vf 103 the final cruise of the tomcats

[@danpayne1010]

Nimitz is my favourite. Thanks for the unique view of the beast.

[@TakeDeadAim]

To give people a sense of how powerful a nuclear carrier really is consider this. Back when I was on the Numbnutz(affectionately) while stationed in Bremerton Wa back in the early 90's...there was a city wide power outage. The base had no power as the plant was down for some reason. We "lit off" one of our four reactors and back fed power into the grid and ran PSNS for a couple days. ONE of four... Also, the "flag" is basically a passenger. He has his own staff, bridge and whatnot. The ships CO actually has command of the ship, the Admiral runs the entire battle group. Carriers are cool but their size gets old while on deployment. You stand in line for EVERYTHING, they're deep draft so you can't get into smaller ports and are nuclear powered so some countries won't even allow you to pull in. I MUCH preferred my time on smaller cruisers and destroyers. You knew the entire ship, most of the crew and could pull into smaller ports of call over seas. Oh...I'll almost guarantee most of those old machine shop lathes etc...are never used and no one even knows how to use them. As you can see...they're freshly painted and it's all very clean. BUT...there's really no practical way to remove them as they were installed then the ship built around them. Yeah they weld and may do some very minor machining but anything beyond basic stuff is done at a "depot" maintenance shop on shore and then flown out.

[@jgkgintx]

Sure enjoyed the video, brought back all kinds of memories, some good, some not so good. We lost 11 guys on our cruise to West Pac (1969-70) aboard the carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61). I worked on night shift which was 1900 to 0700 (12 hour shift, sometimes longer), under red-light conditions...no bright lights allowed. Flight deck is very dangerous, especially at night when your ears are covered and your vision is sort of a tunnel vision due to your safety goggles and your helmet. You had to be very aware of where you were in relation to the planes taking off and landing, and to the water itself. Making a cruise during wartime added even more excitement and adrenalin to your young life. Am so thankful to all my shipmates who worked their buns off to get the job done. And let me never forget those who didn't make it back...RIP. And again, thank you for taking the time and effort to record your time aboard the Nimitz for all of us to view.

[@meechesong2891]

I was fortunate enough to go on a Tiger Cruise 3 years ago on the Nimitz. I boarded in Hawaii and sailed up the west coast to San Diego and then to Washington State. It was quite the experience. I was supposed to do another Tiger Cruise after this deployment but it has been canceled due to Covid. Thank you to all who have served. ❤️🤍💙

[@jameseasterbrooks5363]

Kermit, I am a former F-14 pilot and I lived over a year of my life on CVN-68. I have 200 traps on Nimitz and day traps are the most fun you can have in an airplane! Next time I am down in Florida I will definitely visit Fantasy of Flight to see your amazing collection of aircraft. Jim “Bugs” Easterbrooks.

[@fredlougee2807]

I notice you are not saying anything about night traps, Sir.

[@charlessmith6412]

My wife and I were on the 2013 Tiger Cruise for the USS Nimitz. It was the opportunity of a lifetime. Tremendous ship with a great crew.

[@zspud21]

That was the year and deployment I was on! We probably saw each other if you got in in Hawaii I was the one who searched all the bags if the Guests we brought on

[@franciscofigueroa9961]

V

[@Jules3chickens]

I was able to visit the Nimitz before it's deployment to the middle east in 2008-09. My brother in-law took us on a tour about 2 weeks before they left and my boys thought it was the best thing ever. They have been to the Midway but being on an active Carrier, they felt so honored and special. They told their teacher's when they went back to school.

[@JohnAMcCreary]

As a photographer, this is absolutely the ultimate bucket list experience for me. I can't even imagine!

[@1boortzfan]

Thank you Kermit for all your hard work. The Navy should be proud of the great video you made. It showed them at their finest.

[@tonygoodwin2834]

Thanks for this excellent upload Kermit, it's wonderful to see this so clearly and in detail. The takeoffs and landings are awesome. It's unreal how these carriers operate. One big city.

[@mikecamrcplus3057]

Very proud of those young men and women.

[@uTube486]

Me Too !! CVN-75 Harry S. Truman 2005. Best trip in my life. Happened to meet the right guy at the right time.

[@tomthumb1941]

Thank you Kermit, this was a great experience visiting the USS Nimitz, I can't thank you enough for sharing it with us, when you consider all the people involved with its design, engineering, building, it is mind boggling, every single person is as important as the other. This must have been a GREAT and memorable experience for you, Thank you again, it was for me also.

[@josephg9518]

Agree with everyone else...a candid tour to areas and perspective I have never seen before, and I watch these types of videos all the time! Thank you!!!!!

[@uthaingamnaul5384]

i no speak englishyou name my nameถ่ายi no speak english

[@neubauerjoseph]

most of the time the docs just show the flight deck, and engine parts. There is a whole more to the ship then that. I got the chance to be in securty department and roved the ship to every part except for the nuclear rectors.

[@blessgl]

Thank you for the tour. I served onboard the Nimitz from January 1975 - September 1979. The go pro worked great. Brought back many memories. Again thanks

[@robertchandler5055]

took an abbreviated (2 hour) version of tour in 1993 Seattle . Our ARNG unit was using the old Navy Brig at the time and the NAVY needed some fill in bodies to give their tour guides some practice. Ship was docked and EMPTY ,was pretty cool really .I was the "PRETEND" LT. Governor for this tour that included the Governor and Secretary of commerce from D.C. we got lunch in THE GOAT LOCKER (a dining facility for e6 only) ,we saw "THE COKE MACHINE" big red box that controlled a lot of ships comms. rode big elevator that moves aircraft ,went up to where the antenna are SIX STORIES off flight deck and 4 or 5 stories BELOW DECK. It was the weekend and the ship was moored near by...we got real LUCKY the sailors were off duty and the ship was EMPTY..I am 57 now and will never forget that, THANKS VERY MUCH!

[@math4U1234]

I live my life vicariously through you Kermit and my flight sim. God speed and don't stop making these fun vids.

[@3Cathill]

USS Nimitz, A nice gun to have in the holster when the bad guys are coming at you

[@thomasbalun3806]

I served on the USS Coral Sea for 13 months in 70-71. Exciting time!

[@anthonydrake4244]

My brother and I sponsored our father and bro's FIL for a Tiger cruise. They flew themselves to Oahu Hi and met the Carrier and spent 7 days aboard ship and disembarked with the crew when we reached San Diego. Getting a Cat and Trap on a greyhound though is something they never got... Way Cool!

[@walt8089]

Loved the Video ! I had 31 years in the Air Force but, always thought it would be a great experience to spend about a month on a Carrier and experience the culture and Flight Operations ! Wonderful Video !!!

[@marktesta1500]

My father took the same trip though 25 years ago. He retired from the Navy after flying for them. He flew the PBM, P5M, taught cadets to fly in the SNJ, and ended flying for the Navy on the H5 helicopter. Both of you said the same thing about the crew on the Nimitz.

[@marcs990]

I’m from the UK 🇬🇧 n it was great to see the professionalism shown by these men n women. I’m ex military n we show just the same amount of pride & professionalism in our armed forces which has been proven time n time again when we have worked together, I noticed the good sign of any great military is, if it can be polished then polish it lol, so I noticed all the shiny brass everywhere. Again thanks from across the pond

[@tommycannon8200]

I served on the USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72. Once saw the USS Nimitz during a changeover, can't remember if we were relieving them in the Gulf or they were relieving us. Been a long time. I went from QMSR to QM3 while onboard an made QM2 last cycle before I left. I worked on the Navigation Bridge with the Captain and Navigator. Loved driving Old Abe and just working the 08 & 09 levels which the Navigation Department was responsible for. Many times, I climbed out to clean those windows on both bridge levels...LOL! Great memories!

[@boscogong4242]

Brings back memories of "The Final Countdown"

[@frigidtsunami]

I grew up with that ship, it will always be in my heart. My father would bring me and show how life is in the ship. Thanks for sharing.

[@mamifanai4266]

You're lucky👍

[@Rawling447]

You r very lucky...

[@TroksMB]

You definitely went through a lot to give us this quality video. Thanks from a USN Veteran.

[@timgore829]

I've toured a couple carriers, but none were underway. What an amazing opportunity!

[@guitarTennisCarHomeFixFlying]

I always thought I would have to do something famous to get a tour on a carrier but our great youtube friend gets us all onboard! Thanks Kermit!

[@davidwolf226]

What a great experience for you and your group, Kermit. I was Navy about 50 years ago. While I was not part of the "blue water" Navy (which means I was stationed at a land base), I had several friends who had duty on both the USS Constellation and the USS Oriskany. I had the benefit of several personal tours aboard the Constellation. These Nimitz class carriers are even bigger and more impressive.

[@kennethb.drinkard2010]

Was on the Connylate 70s,early 80s

[@OrdinaryDude]

I served aboard that ship at the end of Desert Storm. Nice to see her again.

[@exposingthedarknesswiththe9190]

*THAT WAS ONE EXCITING TOUR AND WE APPRECIATE THE NAVY FOR ALLOWING SUCH A TREAT TO GET A CLOSER LOOK BELOW DECK AND ALL ITS INCREDIBLE SHOPS, THE BRIDGE AND ALL THE VERY NICE PEOPLE...WE TOTALLY LOVE THE UNITED STATES NAVY...AND THE OTHERS OF COURSE, BUT WE'RE ALL NAVY PEOPLE...LOLO!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND YOUR AWESOME SHIP!!!*

[@rowansingleton1177]

Why are you yelling my friend

[@mrtt5931]

My son is currently on this ship so very nice to be able to get a glimpse into his quarters & world! :)

[@7100warhawk]

Wow.. That was awesome. Thank you for posting. Very nice and Thank you and all the young men and women serving this awesome nation ✌👽

[@jamyers1971]

Cool! I was at the launching of the Nimitz, and watched Catherine Nimitz break the bottle on her bow in 1972.

[@SuperFaceman23]

i was at pier 12 when ford commission it it cost me 60 dollars to get my car back cause we were at sea and our cars were towed away

[@dutch9664]

I was deck seaman raising the flag during the commission day served 74 to 79 now I am 71 years old thanks for the greatest service and experience..

[@wunkskorks2623]

I can’t imagine the responsibility of a captain of a CVN or SSBN. The SSBN captain is probably as close to the old world sailing captain as you can get. But, being the skipper of a CVN must be beyond incredible. Imagine being that guy, then, that evening you have to deal with your kid that got suspended from school, who’s not afraid of you at all....

[@jamiebellamy6235]

Had the honor of serving on this great ship in 1986 - 1987.

[@bobwampler3387]

That is awesome beyond words.

[@pspicer777]

Thanks for this. It is unlikely I will ever be able to take the tour, so I am living vicariously through your video.

[@ThumperKJFK]

Thank you. This never gets old watching the activity's of a Carrier.

[@BeerDad69]

It’s so fascinating

[@terryjames548]

I hope the shipmates on the Nimitz know how much the folks in Bremerton are grateful for their service. You guys are awesome.

[@glennbelldc1651]

The "DV" stands for Distinguished VISITOR. We rescue you guys 1st. you might be our congressmen. I had several years on board Carriers 20 years service and enjoyed most of them. I am glad you enjoyed your 24 hours. I flew 4 times in cods 2 launches and 2 landings only 1 hitting a tree landing on Okinawa. to low of an approach. a branch was stuck in our main starboard strut. we walked away so it was a good landing. I would Love to be able to come check the museum out .

[@bengerhart6780]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for making this video! Great stuff. Really neat.

[@kevinwilliams287]

Im glad you guys are on our side! what an outfit. Respect from Aus.

[@wildcat4478]

Thanks for the service 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@tattooedsailor8666]

Brings back a flood of memories. ABFAN 90-93 USS Nimitz!

[@OkieMikester]

This is great! God bless all that serve and have served on one of our incredible ships.

[@carissaluch1977]

My husband and I were on a Tiger Cruise on the Nimitz. We boarded in Honolulu and debarked in San Diego a week later. I wanted to see how much looked familiar! What an amazing opportunity. And I am pretty sure I could give you verbal directions to get to my berth! Thank you for sharing!

[@scottmitchell4225]

Dude I'm jealous right now... always been a dream of mine to hang out with on a flight deck, now that's the greatest show on earth.. Thanks to all who served and still serving to protect this glorious country. GOD BLESS OUR ARMED SERVICES! Get some!!!

[@jeremiahgriffith8795]

Thank You for the tour! American born- American proud! Thank you to all the hard working sailors that keep our waters and skies safe! WWG1WGA

[@gregperkins2354]

I was the first Nimitz Master Helmsman qualifed in 1975 and steered Nimitz into every Navy port, anchorage, and brought her alongside all of the supply ships during Nimitz's first two years. I appreciated seeing my old helm and engine order telegraph in your video. I always wondered what hat to the spoked helm wheel. That was the second helm wheel. The first was a steel grey one with a thick band around the outside. The spoked wheel replaced it but was impractical. Too big but good ol Navy tradition. Was replaced by a wooden rimmed all brass helm wheel with USS Nimitz on it. That was the last one I steered with. I have a great story about a near collision we had south of Cuba. How's do I contact you?

[@zfdfilms]

Incredible, I’m curious could you divulge more information?

[@jefferyscott5007]

Thank you for your service. You are definitely part of history.

[@edmondmiller2661]

I'm curious about Cuba

[@AbdulAziz-id8jz]

. ' S .. . .

[@joeblow5037]

lol, I was in the Air Wing on the Med cruise. I had heard about Compton and the sand bar (in the shakedown cruise). Nice vibration at speed thanks to his bending one of the prop shafts. I remember him being replaced halfway through the 76/77 Med. 🤦‍♂️

[@SirGandalfII]

I've worked on this boat as a contractor more times than any other boat. Working on Navy boats never gets old.

[@mnsignr]

Your vest # on the return flight; 5294 is my Birthday; May, 29th, 1944...WHAT a great video...Thanks so much for sharing...!!!

[@pierrelataillade7564]

Well buddy thanks for the ride... really appreciated it. 5000 troops on an a moving acre has to be extreme in anybodies book. Kermit your the best. Thanks..

[@sadelsor]

Being a Marine engineer and offshore drilling rig inspector you get used to having piping all over the place, sewage/salt water/fresh water/diesel fuel/hydraulic oil/lub oil etc might be overhead in the galley or your bedroom, you soon learn the colour codes of the piping so you know what you are living with.

[@stevensterry796]

Our military......the best in the world! Thanx for all you do !

[@andyandy4306]

I so admire these people...I thank them for their service

[@davidholdman8015]

Awesome my brother in-law was part of the commissioning and was in the movie about it going back in time thank you for the tour.

[@simonrees9441]

Thoroughly enjoyed this - you were very fortunate to have such an intimate experience on this awesome ship. Thanks for filming and sharing - very cool.

[@doogleticker5183]

Thanks for this. It brings back memories when I am not dreaming... the best job I ever had.

[@tylerbenrich]

"Hey look at me I'm a idiot" that took me out. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnspencer2560]

Thank You, Bob. It was REALLY SOMETHING- watching ALL THOSE TUG-BOATS move A CARRIER. JS

[@charlesaderholt8539]

Salute to all sailors and officers of this vessel!!!! Thanks for fighting for us

[@c5back9]

Outstanding! My wife and I had the pleasure of flying with you in your biplane at FoF ten years ago. I still tell people how cool it was to fly in that bird around the Lakeland area. Amazing experience riding in that open cockpit and wow, that bird was as smooth as butter. Touchdown on the grass strip was both cool and sad - sad that the flight was ending. The next time I come down your way I’d love to do it again.

[@michaelnovak260]

Spectacular. I was stationed on an oiler from 1978-1982.......fueled the Eisenhower strike group for 4 years

[@Ruby1848]

That was your best podcast yet, thank you.

[@MacTonight50]

ACT III = Installation of a Catapult and Arresting wires at Fantasy of Flight? LOL!! Great video Kermit!!!! Thanks for keeping them flying!!!

[@californiafromabove155]

Walking through Nimitz a Fab Space. Ships at sea are a blast. Five years for me on DD's, 50 years ago.

[@girijaa1]

You are a very fortunate man!

[@rex201301]

So cool ! I went on board the carrier that is docked as a museum in San Diego several years back and I know just how cool these vessels are ! Kermit , you are one lucky dude !

[@rickcardenas124]

That's probably the USS Midway, I heard she was docked as a museum in San Diego, I would so love to go back and see her again, I was fortunate to serve on her from 86 to 88, from their I went to the Enterprise!!!!

[@lovepugs0547]

That was so cool. that you and the group you were with got to take a two day tour, of the Nimitz. I would love to do that, since I am a Marine Corps Veteran. Thanks you for sharing your tour with us. Semper Fi

[@karenatchison8754]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful visit to the Nimitz!

[@ryanstewart9394]

Good video! I was stationed on this ship 2003 to 2006 in M-Division. Worked in #1 main machinery room which is off limits to most of the ships crew. Thank you for this cause I was able to show my kids this.