Jamaica welcomes USS Nimitz on friendship visit to Kingston

The Government of Jamaica has welcomed the USS Nimitz to Kingston, saying the aircraft carrier’s visit reflects the long partnership between Jamaica and the United States. The vessel arrived at the Port of Kingston on what officials described as a friendship mission.

Education, Skills, Youth and Information Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon and Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz toured the carrier over the weekend as it approached Kingston.

Morris Dixon said the stop underscored cooperation between both countries in several areas. “It’s really just a symbol of the US Jamaica friendship. We have a relationship that spans so many areas from education to security to transportation and it’s a relationship that we value as Jamaica,” she said.

The education minister also pointed to the visit as an opportunity for young people to learn from the experience, while noting that the mission would include practical support in communities.

Another official described the tour as a rare experience for civilians and reaffirmed Jamaica’s ties with the United States. “This is an unforgettable moment, unforgettable day,” the official said, adding that the relationship with the United States of America was “unshakable” and “unbreakable.”

During its week in Jamaican waters, the USS Nimitz is expected to host and take part in several community initiatives. The warship is due to remain in the island until June.