Jamaican crew aboard USS Nimitz welcomed home during Kingston visit

The USS Nimitz call on Kingston carries weight beyond official ties between countries. For 19 Jamaican citizens assigned to the aircraft carrier, the stop has also become a personal homecoming, giving them time to reconnect with relatives.

Stephano Crowell, who works as a maintenance officer in the Quality Assurance Department, is one of those Jamaicans on board. He grew up in Mountain View, St. Andrew, later moved to the United States, and has spent 11 years serving in the US army.

Crowell said he is eager to see his father and other family members. "It's almost a surreal moment, coming back," he shared with JIS News. "I'm still trying to take it in. It probably won't hit me until I get off [the vessel]," he said.

He said it is meaningful that Jamaicans are part of the crew as the carrier makes its first trip to the island, allowing them "to represent". "This is good. I mean, I feel like it represents a great relationship between America and Jamaica and, you know, breaking down barriers, and building that bond and relationship between the two nations. I think it's great," he told JIS News.

Crowell also said he hopes the USS Nimitz visit will not be a one-off, but the beginning of more calls that help deepen ties between Jamaica and the United States. Asked where he planned to go first after leaving the ship, he answered immediately: "KFC".

For some other members of the crew, the Kingston stop offers a chance to take in Jamaica's scenery and attractions. Helicopter operators Lieutenant Bennett Eagle and Lieutenant Cam Stokes spoke about the experience of working from the aircraft carrier, which Lieutenant Stokes described as a rare and remarkable assignment.

"One of the coolest experiences that anyone can have in their life is being a part of an aircraft carrier. There is very few of them in the world and just being a part of a select, elite group and being able to do what we do every day, it's amazing," Lieutenant Stokes said.

The aircrew often see impressive views from the cockpit, but Stokes said Jamaica's landscape stood out. "I know [locals] are very familiar with the view, but I have only seen that maybe a few times in my life and [Jamaica] has an incredible view," Lieutenant Stokes said.

"Just turning around and looking at the beautiful mountains and right up along the coast, I don't want to leave Jamaica; honestly, it's very beautiful," he told JIS News, while indicating the mountains visible from the USS Nimitz.

The vessel is berthed at the Kingston Freeport Terminal until June 5, and crew members are preparing for rest and sightseeing while in Jamaica. Lieutenant Eagle and Lieutenant Stokes said their plans include going to the north coast to enjoy the island's well-known beaches.

"We are excited to get off this ship and explore a little bit. I am going to Ocho Rios [in St. Ann], so let's see," Lieutenant Eagle added.

The USS Nimitz arrived on June 1, making Jamaica the last stop on its Southern Seas 2026 Goodwill Tour. The 51-year-old carrier is 1,092 feet long, 252 feet wide, and rises to the height of a 23-storey building.

Officials have described the stop as part of the continuing partnership between Jamaica and the United States. Over the five-day visit, members of the ship's 4,000-person crew are scheduled to take part in community work, including school refurbishing, sporting activities with young people, and tours for selected tertiary institutions.