US Navy Carrier Nimitz Trains with Chilean Forces

Warship moves to new East Coast base as US showcases military tech

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:10pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a large U.S. Navy aircraft carrier docked at a naval base, with the ship's silhouette reflected in the calm waters and surrounded by warm, golden sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of power and tranquility.The relocation of the USS Nimitz to a new East Coast homeport underscores the U.S. military's global naval presence and partnerships.Norfolk Today

The USS Nimitz, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, conducted joint maritime training exercises this week with the Chilean military as the massive warship continues its relocation to a new homeport at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

Why it matters

The Nimitz's training with Chilean forces demonstrates the U.S. military's ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships and project naval power globally, even as the carrier transitions to a new base on the East Coast. This comes as the U.S. also showcases its latest military hardware at a major defense trade show.

The details

The Nimitz, one of the U.S. Navy's largest and most advanced aircraft carriers, participated in the multinational Southern Cross exercise with the Chilean navy and air force. The training drills focused on maritime security operations, search and rescue, and other joint maneuvers. The Nimitz is in the process of relocating its homeport from the West Coast to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

  • The joint training exercises with Chile took place this week.
  • The Nimitz is in the process of moving its homeport to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

The players

USS Nimitz

A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier that is one of the largest and most advanced warships in the world.

Chilean military

The armed forces of Chile, which participated in joint training exercises with the USS Nimitz.

Naval Station Norfolk

A major U.S. Navy base located in Virginia that will become the new homeport for the USS Nimitz.

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What’s next

The Nimitz is expected to complete its relocation to Naval Station Norfolk in the coming months.

The takeaway

The joint training between the USS Nimitz and Chilean forces underscores the U.S. military's ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships and project naval power globally, even as the carrier transitions to a new base on the East Coast.