Click to play videoNew Delhi: The nuclear-powered US Navy super carrier Nimitz will dock some three km off Chennai on Monday.
India says it poses no radiation hazard and there are no nuclear weapons on board. The Americans are less clear on that score.
This is one visitor Chennai will remember not that many will even set eyes on it - the US’ Nimitz a nuclear powered aircraft carrier.
Tamil Nadu Naval officer in-charge P E Van Haltran says, “The visit is for crew rest and recreation and navy to navy interaction. The US' Nimitz will anchor outside Chennai harbour approx two miles from the waters of the Chennai port.”
Displacing 102,000 tonnes Nimitz could not have entered Chennai harbour it has a crew of 6,000 and a flight deck more than 300 metres in length. It carries 82 aircraft including fighters and helicopter.
The purpose of the visit is interaction with the Indian Navy. But politically the Left party found the visit unacceptable. They also warned of the risk of nuclear radiation but the government was quick to reassure on that score.
The government says there are no nuclear weapons on board the vessel.
The Nimitz commander was more honest. He said he could neither deny nor confirm it. The Nimitz will be here for five days. It is the11th nuclear powered vessel to visit India.
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