Nimitz deployment extended August 10, 2017 The aircraft carrier Nimitz is being extended to continue its participation in Operation Inherent Resolve, launching strikes against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. (MC2 Tyler Preston/Navy) The oldest aircraft carrier in the fleet will spend at least a few more days deployed this year. Two months into her latest deployment and less than two weeks after entering the Persian Gulf, word has come that the Nimitz will be extended to continue the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. “Due to our enduring commitment to supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in the Arabian Gulf, we’ve been called upon to extend here for approximately nine days,” said public affairs officer Lt. Cmdr. Theresa Donnelly in an Aug. 9 email. “These dates are estimates and could change, but this is where we stand today.”