Article Posted on : - Jul 02, 2010

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 depart San Diego for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific Ocean.

SAN DIEGO (BNS): USS Nimitz (CVN 68) has started from her homeport of Naval Base Coronado to perform sea trials at the western Pacific Ocean, for assessing its readiness and capability.

The trails have begun from June 30.

Later on, a 30-day carrier incremental availability (CIA) will be conducted when the ship will return from the extended deployment.

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

During sea trials, the ship's main engines and the aqueous foam forming film (AFFF) system will be checked by the sailors. A ship-wide training will also be performed to ensure equipment and systems continue to be operated properly.

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.

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