• Carriers support and operate aircraft that engage in attacks on airborne, afloat, and ashore targets that threaten free use of the sea; and engage in sustained operations in support of other forces.
• Nimitz-class carriers, seven operational and two under construction, are the largest warships in the world.

  General Characteristics, Nimitz Class

• Power Plant: Two nuclear reactors, four shafts
• Length: 1,092 feet (332.85 meters)
• Flight Deck Width: 252 feet (76.8 meters)
• Speed: 30+ knots (34.5+ miles per hour)
• Aircraft: 85
• Crew: Ship's Company: 3,200 - Air Wing: 2,480
• Armament: Four NATOSea Sparrow launchers, 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts: (3 on Eisenhower and Nimitz, 4 on Vinson and later ships of the class.)
  

     General Characteristics, Forrestal Class

• Power Plant: Eight boilers, four geared steam turbines, four shafts, 280,000 shaft horsepower
• Length: 1086 feet (317 meters)
• Flight Deck Width: 252 feet (76.8 meters)
• Speed: 30+ knots (34.5+ miles per hour)
• Aircraft: Approximately 75
• Crew: Ship's Company: 3,019 - Air Wing: 2,480
• Armament: Four NATOSea Sparrow launchers, 3 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts