I am going to be in Norfolk, VA, around the first of the year and I would like to finally see with my own eyes a Nimitz class Carrier. I can see on the web where the base itself gives "official" 45-minute tours...but I would actually love to go on board one of these things.

I have heard that it can be done but requires some extra effort or even a personal connection.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Nice try, ISIS! *











*Just joking!

Call 1800USANAVY and tell them you want to go on a carrier. You have to go through a basic course in Great Lakes first, but they will fly you to the carrier, let you stay on board, eat on the mess decks, and live just like a Sailor.

Unless you have a close friend of spouse onboard, you aren't getting on a working Navy ship outside of official tours like a fleet week. You can go tour the WISCONSIN in the Norfolk, a battleship.