What Happened
The United States Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and the destroyer USS Gridley are scheduled to arrive in Panama on Sunday, March 29, 2026. According to the announcement, the USS Nimitz will anchor in open waters while the USS Gridley will be berthed at Amador Cruise Port in Panama City. The two vessels are expected to remain in Panamanian waters through Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Ship details
The USS Nimitz is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that can transport up to 90 aircraft, including fixed-wing planes and helicopters. The ship is listed as in service since 1975 (51 years), hull number CVN-68, with a complement of 6,012 and a gross tonnage of 100,020 GT. Its physical dimensions include a length of 1,092.0 ft, a beam of 252.0 ft and a draft of 41.0 ft, and it is capable of speeds up to 30.0 knots (approximately 34.5 mph). The carrier was built by Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia, and was christened in 1972 by Catherine Nimitz, daughter of Admiral Chester Nimitz. The USS Nimitz lists Norfolk, Virginia, as its homeport.
The destroyer USS Gridley will accompany the carrier and will be at the Amador Cruise Port during the visit. Images accompanying the notice show the two warships, and the announcement reiterates basic technical data for those interested in vessel specifics.
How to track the ships
The report notes that live position and movement data for the USS Nimitz are drawn from the global AIS tracking system and provides a direct tracking link for real-time updates. Readers can follow the carrier’s route, speed, course history and estimated arrival times via the provided ship tracker: https://www.cruisingearth.com/ship-tracker/united-states-navy/uss-nimitz
Background and significance
The USS Nimitz has served with the U.S. Navy for decades and is among the world’s largest aircraft carriers. Visits by major naval vessels to Panama are notable for the visibility they bring to maritime operations in the region. The announcement does not list specific public events or onboard activities for this visit, and any diplomatic or community engagements tied to the port call were not specified.
What this means
Residents and visitors in Panama City may observe enhanced naval activity in the Amador area and nearby coastal waters while the Nimitz and Gridley are in port or anchored offshore. Those who wish to monitor the ships’ exact positions and movements can use the AIS-based tracker link provided in the original notice.