Decades-Old Firepower: America's Oldest Weapons Still in Service

"The U.S. military is considered to be the premier fighting force of the world. It has 2.1-2.3 million personnel and 4,800 sites (the majority are in the U.S.; overseas sites number roughly 750 across 80 countries). Add to that an annual budget of more than $700 billion and you have a force to be reckoned with. However, not all weapons used by the military are brand new. They tend to hold on to some of the best weapons and use them for a long time."

"Much of the equipment still in use by the U.S. military is rather old. A prime example is one class of aircraft carriers. Currently divided into two classes (though historically, the U.S. has had multiple carrier classes): the older Nimitz class, launched in 1975, and the new Ford class, which is capable of operating for a significant number of years without the need for refueling."

The U.S. military fields 2.1–2.3 million personnel across roughly 4,800 sites, including about 750 overseas locations in 80 countries. Annual defense spending exceeds $700 billion. Many major systems remain in service for decades, with aircraft carriers commonly serving more than 50 years; the Nimitz class was launched in 1975 while the Ford class offers extended operational endurance without frequent refueling. Equipment from transport helicopters to rotary cannons and strategic bombers exhibit long life cycles. A ranked roster identifies oldest weapons by year of first service and notes original designers and manufacturers. Several systems are retained for drills and ceremonies and many have been upgraded while keeping original names and basic designs.

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