Big Nimitz soon to be on my bench!

Hey fellas - I'll start this by saying that I'm not a ship guy. Always intersted in naval subjects, just couldn't seem to branch out from the armor and aircraft. That was until my gf saw me reading an article in Tamiya Model Mag about building the 1/350 Enterprise a couple of weeks ago...long story short, I have a Trumpeter 1/350 Nimitz inbound to my location which will be my big winter project with my modeling girlfriend!

Been reading a lot about all of the various aftermarket stuff for the kit - looking for your input as to who makes good stuff. Looks like White Ensign and Gold Medal Models are my main options, with Tom's Modelworks thrown in for adding to the airwing. Anybody have recommendations as to which stuff works out well/not well? Any other manufacturers I should be looking at? Have not yet decided whether to go with the 1975 fitting included in the box or to update the ship to a more modern date (or do another ship - still an option).

Any advice you've got is highly appreciated.

Lot of research to go, but I'm ready to dig in!