Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) recently voted for a new battle flag to be flown above her decks.

 

The winning design which was chosen from a series of 13 different entries from sailors onboard Nimitz.

 

The design includes many elements within relating to not only the Navy, but also the Nimitz's name sake, Flt. Adm. Chester Nimitz and his history.

 

The 68 displays the ship's hull number and is easily recognized as USS Nimitz. The size shows prominence as we are the first of our class.

 

The color theme of this flag is Blue and Gold, which are traditional navy colors as well as the colors of the Naval Academy, Admiral Chester Nimitz' alma matter.

 

The addition of the trident is a representation of Nimitz' naval career. Each prong not only represents our capabilities of reaching air, sea and land, but is also dedicated to three significant stages of Nimitz' career -- the USS Ohio was his first ship, he was then assigned as the Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet and finally, his appointment as the Chief of Naval Operation. The five stars represent Nimitz' rank.

 

It is the highest attainable rank; Nimitz was one of the first fleet admirals.

The design, chosen by Nimitz Sailors, will display the history and heritage of the ship as it sails proudly over its decks, and represent those Sailors who chose it.