The 10 Nimitz class carriers, starting with the USS Nimitz (1975), Eisnhower, Vinson, Roosevelt (T),Lincoln, Washington, Stennis, Truman, Reagan (2002), and Bush (G.H.W. 2011), have a service life of 50 years with one mid-life refueling. To scrap the Reagan, a nine year old ship, would be a waste of money, a fitting tribute to his legacy. The next generation of super carriers is scheduled to launch in 2015 with the USS Gerald R Ford.
