[A.A. Cunningham]

The Nimitz is the first of the big carriers,

The Forrestal was the first of the "big carriers" and several were commissioned; Forrestal Class, Kitty Hawk Class and Enterprise Class, prior to Nimitz which was the first of the Nimitz class.

It will steam for about ten years before needing refueling.

More like 20+. Nimitz sailed for 23 years before having to be refueled. A Nimitz class boat should only require one RCOH during it's service life.

[exnavy]

The forrest fire was 56,000 tons

the nimitz was over 90,000 tons

We sailors don't put much stock in lenth, we deal in tonnage!