Photo caption: FST staff and students aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) on June 4, 2026.

Seventeen students and staff members from the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), The University of the West Indies, Mona, toured the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) on June 4, 2026. The USS Nimitz serves as the flagship of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, which includes the staff of Carrier Strike Group 11, Destroyer Squadron 9, Carrier Air Wing 17 and the USS Gridley. Carrier Air Wing 17 comprises six squadrons operating aircraft such as F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, C-2A Greyhounds and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks. 

The visit formed part of the aircraft carrier’s engagement in the region under the United States Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Southern Seas 2026 deployment. Jamaica was among the participating countries in the initiative, which sought to strengthen maritime partnerships, enhance cooperation and build interoperability among the United States and partner-nation forces.

During the tour, participants gained first-hand exposure to the scientific, technological and operational systems used aboard one of the world’s most advanced aircraft carriers. The delegation observed the integration of computing, engineering, electronics, data analysis, communications and environmental monitoring within a complex maritime environment. 

The students who toured the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) were Mr. Keshawn McGrath, Ms. Danielle Williams and Ms. Kiefa Turnbull from the Department of Computing; Mr. Jevan Howard, Mr. Rajne Reynolds, Ms. Sunny Samaroo and Ms. Soyini Elliott from the Department of Geography and Geology; and Mr. Andrew Smart, Mr. Kevaughn Williams, Mr. Andre Cunningham, Mr. Rohan Brown and Mr. Steven-Kyle James from the Department of Physics. Faculty members participating in the tour were Mr. Alton Bodley from the Department of Computing; Dr. Arpita Mandal, Dr. Thera Edwards and Dr. Sherene James-Williamson from the Department of Geography and Geology; and Mr. Damion Whyte from the Department of Life Sciences.

The tour reflected the Faculty’s commitment to creating world-standard learning experiences for students and staff by connecting classroom knowledge and research with real-world applications in science and technology.

Through initiatives of this nature, FST continues to broaden academic exposure, strengthen professional development and prepare members of its community to contribute meaningfully within an increasingly technology-driven global environment.