One of these, the Nimitz, is the world's largest warship; it is 332 m (1,092 ft) in length, displaces 96,000 tons, and is equipped with four steam catapults; it is capable of handling 90 aircraft with their associated maintenance facilities, fuel, ammunition, and parts. The ship accommodates a crew of 3,300 plus an air wing of pilots and support crew, numbering about 3,000. The Nimitz is capable of indefinite sea operation when supported by periodic reprovisioning. The angled flight deck permits simultaneous launching and landing of aircraft.

The British fleet includes 3 Invincible-class carriers, designed for antisubmarine warfare and command control missions, each with 8 Sea Harrier vertical(/short) take-off and landing aircraft and 12 Sea King helicopters. France has two carriers, built in the 1950s, and a nuclear-powered 36,000-ton carrier under construction, all with antisubmarine warfare, helicopter, and command control functions. The Russian navy has one remaining carrier, the Kutznetsov, following extensive reductions and selling-off of ships. It is designed for antisubmarine warfare.