USS Nimitz (CVN-68) 2003 Cruise Sweatshirt

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) deployed on her 2003 cruise in the opening phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Coalition campaign to topple Saddam Hussein's regime. Nimitz and her carrier air wing, including aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 11, flew combat sorties over Iraq in support of ground forces advancing on Baghdad. The carrier operated in the North Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf, her aircraft striking high-value targets as Coalition forces achieved a swift military victory. This sweatshirt commemorates the 2003 cruise of USS Nimitz, honoring the Sailors and aviators who served in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom.