BREMERTON — The Bremerton-based aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) returned to Bremerton Sunday afternoon six weeks after it went underway for routine operations in the Pacific Ocean.

The Nimitz departed from its homeport in Washington in mid-August, some weeks after it completed its last deployment and arrived home in July. The ship’s carrier strike group (CSG-11) went underway to conduct its sustainment exercise (SUSTEX) in the 3rd Fleet area of operations, according to a statement from the Navy last month.

During the SUSTEX exercise, the strike group did flight operations with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17’s aircraft and underwent integrated training evolutions that tested core warfare areas.

“SUSTEX is a critical part of the strike group’s mission, showcasing the integration and teamwork that gives us competitive advantage in all domains,” the strike group’s commander, Rear Adm. Jennifer Couture said in the statement. “It’s how the strike group shows that even after a seven-month deployment, talented Sailors stand ready to respond, compete and win across the full spectrum of competition and conflict.”

CSG-11 consists of the Nimitz, the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 17, and ships from Destroyer Squadron 9. Those who participated in SUSTEX included the Nimitz, CVW 17, Destroyer Squadron 9; Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), according to the Navy.

People watch the USS Nimitz head for the pier at Naval Base Kitsap from the dock of the Port Orchard Boat Launch on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.

It’s always emotional for Deborah Wood to see the warship her son, Thomas is serving, returning home, the Bremerton resident said. Deborah and Thomas’s wife, Debbie, waited in the drizzling rain at Bachmann Park to welcome the Nimitz around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

As an immigrant, Deborah from Nicaragua is proud and happy, and feels special to see one of her kids serving the country she loves, she said.

Lauren Staab with her son, 15-month-old Barrett, in her arms, felt relieved after the ship arrived. Lauren’s husband, Robert serves on the Nimitz. The family is planning to watch a movie and catch up with each other before Robert goes on duty tomorrow, Lauren said.

The Nimitz is now the only aircraft carrier based in Naval Base Kitsap. Another Nimitz-class carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, is scheduled to relocate to Bremerton from Japan next year.

The USS Nimitz is guided past the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard by the Navy tug Sentinel as it returns to Naval Base Kitsap on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.

Sailors aboard the USS Nimitz are silhouetted in the hangar bay as the ship returns to Naval Base Kitsap on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.

The Navy tug Sentinel helps guide the USS Nimitz past the Mannette neighborhood of Bremerton as it returns to Naval Base Kitsap on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.

The USS Nimitz returns to Naval Base Kitsap on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.