https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2490401/nimitz-carrier-group-sails-into-indo-pacific-command/source/GovDelivery/ Why is DOD giving away our military strength inside the US? ( Protecting it) The carrier is homeported in Bremerton, Washington. It is now in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility and can be called upon for operations, training or humanitarian exercises there. **The Nimitz's departure means there is no U.S. carrier operating in the Central Command area of operations.** Kirby said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin believes America has "a robust presence in the Middle East." U.S. service members are based in many nations in the Persian Gulf and there is more than enough airpower to counter any adversary. Kirby said Austin has constant discussions with U.S. Central Command commander Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie, as well as other combatant commanders. **Austin must balance requirements from various parts of the world, and the United States doesn't have an unlimited number of aircraft carriers.**