The USS Nimitz, one of the largest warships in the world, is preparing for its final deployment from San Diego with two New Jersey natives at the helm.

Captain Doug Graber, a 1990 graduate of Bound Brook High School, is the commanding officer of the Nimitz. His executive officer is Ryan Fulwider, a 1995 graduate of Somerville High School. Both men are career Navy officers with extensive experience.

"While we don't always agree on the best food court options in Bridgewater Commons mall," Graber joked, "we definitely agree on who the rival schools were, and share the trauma of learning to drive on the Somerville Circle."

The Nimitz, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is home to a crew of 5,000 sailors and airmen. It is scheduled to deploy in the coming months.