USS Nimitz, 1986/1987 Escorts

[denders]

First post, I hope it's in the correct section.

 

USS Nimitz moved from the east coast to the west coast around Cape Horn, 1986/1987. How would I go about finding out her escorts? Particularly those that would have been the plane guard.

 

Thank you

Dave

 

[rcweir]

I don't know if there's an official way to ask that question, but I'd consider these things:

1.  Post the question in the ModelWarships.com forum in the USS Nimitz topic area, http://www.shipmodels.info/mws_forum/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=4705.

2.  Search on the internet for photos of the Nimitz in the dates you think she might have been on the transit.   

3.  Ditto, if you know some of her stops along the way, look for press coverage of the visit: the escorts might happen to show up.

4.  Write a letter or send email to the PAO (Public Affairs Officer) on the Nimitz.   It's possible that there are reasonably convenient records they could check (they probably won't be able or willing to root through the deck logs).

5.  Look through this:  https://www.navysite.de/cruisebooks/cvn68-86/001.htm   It appears to be her cruise book for the period that includes the move.

Edited March 7, 2023 by rcweir
finish a sentence

[el cid]

The designated plane guard would vary from day to day, maybe even from flight op to flight op. The duty would generally fall to the smaller escorts (ie. FF, FFG, DD, maybe DDG, but not a CG or CGN).

[denders]

Thank you.

 

I usually build aircraft but I bought a 1/700 Nimitz to build for a friend who served on her in the referenced time period. He doesn't know it, so I have to watch how I ask questions. I was going to try to do a diorama type thing with water, etc. and since I was going to show aircraft in operation I thought it might be good to add the plane guard. That's the reason for the question. A couple of the photographs have some information, so I hope I can come up with something reasonable.

[denders]

To update, I haven't found anything specific yet, but an idea came to mind. I imagine that a Knox Class FF could have served as plane guard at some time. So I'll add a Knox Class FF, USS Pharris as the plane guard. My friend had also served aboard the Pharris.

 

Dave

 

[Robere210]

My brother worked on designing the Nimitz in Newport News, Va.  He hated that work and quit and became a carpenter and farmer.  True story.