Nimitz CVA(N)-68 was commissioned 3 May 1975 and was redesignated (CVN 68) on 30 June 1975. The Atlantic Fleet carrier made regular deployments to the Mediterranean. Nimitz responded to the 1979 Iranian crisis and Operation Evening Light was launched from Nimitz in an attempt to rescue American hostages held in Iran. Libyan pilots fired upon Nimitz aircraft on 19 August 1981. Return fire shot both Libyan aircraft from the sky. In May 1987 Nimitz joined the Pacific Fleet and in October 1988 participated in Operation Earnest Will protecting Kuwaiti vessels in the North Arabian Sea. Nimitz returned to her Atlantic Fleet roots in 1998.