USS Nimitz (CVN-68) 1979-80 Cruise Sweatshirt

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) was engaged in one of her most consequential deployments during the 1979-80 cruise. In April 1980, Nimitz launched Operation Eagle Claw, the daring but ultimately ill-fated attempt to rescue American hostages held in Tehran, Iran. Eight helicopters launched from Nimitz toward a desert staging site in Iran before mechanical failures and a catastrophic collision on the ground ended the mission, killing eight American servicemen. The failure at Desert One led to major reforms in U.S. special operations capability. This sweatshirt commemorates the 1979-80 cruise of USS Nimitz and honors all who served during this defining moment in American military history.