USS George Washington CVN-73

 

Propulsion: Two nuclear reactors, four shafts. Length: 1,092 feet (332.85 meters). Beam: 134 feet (40.84 meters) ; Flight Deck Width: 252 feet (76.8 meters). Displacement: Approximately 97,000 tons (87,996.9 metric tons) full load. Speed: 30+ knots (34.5+ miles per hour). Crew: Ship's Company: 3,200 - Air Wing: 2,480. Armament: Two or three (depending on modification) NATO Sea Sparrow launchers, 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts: (3 on Nimitz and Dwight D. Eisenhower and 4 on Vinson and later ships of the class.). Aircraft: 85.

In 1994, during George Washington's maiden deployment, the ship served as the backdrop for the 50th anniversary of D-Day. The USS George Washington was also critical in responding to Iraq's threatened second invasion of Kuwait, being called to the Persian Gulf for the second time in the deployment. When the ship entered the Red Sea, Iraq began its pullback of troops from the border.

In 1996, during its second deployment, George Washington hosted a meeting of the Joint Military Commission, composed of the military leaders of the former warring factions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ship also played a peacekeeping role in Operation Decisive Endeavor in Bosnia and Herzegovina and enforced the "No-Fly Zone" over Southern Iraq as part of Operation Southern Watch (OSW).

On its third deployment from October 1997 to April 1998, George Washington spent most of her six-month cruise in the Persian Gulf as the cornerstone of the U.S. military force.

On its fourth deployment from June 21, 2000, to December 2000, George Washington again spent a large portion of the six-month deployment in the Persian Gulf as the centerpiece of the U.S. military presence there. The deployment included operations in the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf. While in the Persian Gulf, the battle group supported OSW by flying more than 800 sorties over Iraq. Surface forces supported UN sanctions against Iraq by conducting Maritime Interception Operations and diverting more than 20,000 metric tons of oil smuggled out of Iraq in violation of UN sanctions. In the Adriatic, the battle group was a stabilizing presence when tensions rose in the region after presidential elections in Yugoslavia. During the deployment, battle group ships steamed more than 400,000 nautical miles (740,000 km) and spent a combined 1,800 days underway. The aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) flew more than 9,000 sorties and made 9,000 arrested landings aboard George Washington. George Washington returned to homeport on December 19, 2000.

On February 13, George Washington began a six-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The ship received upgrades to many ship systems, including berthing spaces, ventilation systems, and computer networking. On July 31, the ship began four days of sea trials before returning to homeport in preparation for workups for a planned 2002 deployment.

On September 6, George Washington was presented with the 2000 Battenberg Cup, awarded annually to the Atlantic Fleet ship or submarine with the greatest crew accomplishments during the previous calendar year. It was the second time GW had won the award (the ship was also the winner of the 1997 award). The crew also accepted the Flatley Award for aircraft carriers with the best aviation safety record. On the morning of September 11, George Washington was operating off the coast of Virginia conducting routine carrier qualifications when the September 11 attacks took place. She was diverted north and arrived in New York City the following day. For the next three days, the ship and her air wing (most of which was hastily transferred from USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67)) provided airspace defense for the city and surrounding area in coordination with NORAD. The ship then returned home and resumed the Inter-Deployment Training Cycle. From November 2 to 29, George Washington participated in Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) I/II. For the remainder of the year and into 2002, the ship hosted more carrier qualifications.

Washington transited the Atlantic Ocean as she and her embarked Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) returned after conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Southern Watch. The George Washington Battle Group deployed on June 20, 2002, and headed for the North Arabian Sea, where it relieved the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) Battle Group on July 19.

On September 11, 2002, George Washington was relieved by the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) Battle Group in the Persian Gulf, where George Washington had been supporting Operation Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom. On October 2, the crew was treated to a flight deck concert by the band 3 Doors Down while the ship was making a port visit to Lisbon, Portugal. Footage from this concert and the band's tour of the ship was used in the video for the band's single "When I'm Gone". The George Washington Battle Group returned to Norfolk on December 20, 2002. During the six-month deployment, George Washington launched approximately 10,000 sorties.

Washington personnel carried injured crew members across the ship’s flight deck after four personnel were rescued from the burning merchant fishing vessel Diamond Shoal. On June 23, George Washington was presented with the 2002 Battenberg Cup. It was the third time the ship had won the prestigious award. On September 11, while the ship was operating off the coast of Virginia, an arresting wire parted while an F/A-18 was landing. As the wire parted, it snapped back violently across the deck, injuring eleven crewmen, two critically. The sailors, who were part of the ship's company, VAW-120, and VFA-106, had to be medically evacuated from the ship, but all survived the mishap. The aircraft was lost over the side, but the pilot was able to eject safely. Footage of the mishap was later used in a National Geographic special about the ship that was being filmed at the time.

GW returned to Norfolk, Va., on December 19, 2003, after 40 days at sea, where she successfully completed her Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). The GWSTRKGRU was composed of Destroyer Squadron 28, Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7), USS Vella Gulf (CG-72), USS Ramage (DDG-61), USS Ross (DDG-71), USS Bulkeley (DDG-84), USS Elrod (FFG-55), and USS Supply (T-AOE-6). The exercise involved more than 7,600 sailors operating off the coasts of Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Having completed this final phase of the training cycle, the strike group assumed surge status and was fully qualified to deploy.

The Navy announced on January 13, 2004, that the George Washington Carrier Strike Group would depart for a "surge" deployment a week later. On January 20, GW, with CVW-3 embarked, deployed in support of the global war on terrorism. George Washington made a port visit at Souda Bay, Crete, from February 6 to 10, 2004. On February 16, George Washington transited the Suez Canal and entered the Red Sea on February 17.

On February 20, George Washington entered the Gulf of Aden and a week later was conducting operations in the Persian Gulf. On March 13, the ship made the first of three port visits to Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates. On April 8, F/A-18 Hornets from Carrier Air Wing Seven participated in Operation Vigilant Resolve. One of the Naval Air Station Oceana-based “Wildcats” from Strike Fighter Squadron 131 (VFA-131) conducted a 20 mm strafing run against an enemy position. Another VFA-131 Hornet dropped two 500-pound GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on another enemy position in Fallujah, Iraq, on April 9. This was the first live ordnance dropped by CVW-7 aircraft since George Washington deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. After being relieved by the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), the ship began her transit home, making a final port visit at Naples, Italy, from July 14 to 18. After traveling more than 51,000 nautical miles (94,000 km) and spending six months at sea, George Washington completed its sixth Mediterranean and Persian Gulf deployment and returned to Norfolk on July 26.

On January 28, 2005, the ship entered dry dock for Planned Incremental Availability (PIA). Many of the ship's systems were upgraded, and maintenance was done to the hull. The ship's four jet blast deflectors were removed and upgraded to handle the increased heat generated by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The ship's defensive weapons configuration was also altered, as one Phalanx CIWS mount and one Sea Sparrow launcher were removed and replaced with two Rolling Airframe Missile launchers. During the 11 months the ship was dry docked, the crew contributed 20,000 hours of volunteer community service to the city of Newport News. The availability was completed on schedule, and George Washington returned to her Norfolk homeport on December 17.

On December 1, 2005, the United States Navy announced that George Washington would replace USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as the forward-deployed carrier at Yokosuka Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan, becoming the first nuclear-powered surface warship permanently stationed outside the continental US. In an attempt to explain the carrier's mission to the Japanese public, the U.S. Navy printed a manga about life aboard GW, titled "CVN-73".

GW and CVW-17 left Norfolk on April 4 for a scheduled two-month deployment to operate as part of SOUTHCOM's "Partnership of the Americas." This deployment included counter-drug operations in the Caribbean Sea, crew exchanges, and exercises with Latin American and South American navies, and port visits for the carrier and strike group, which consisted of USS Monterey (CG-61), USS Stout (DDG-55), and USS Underwood (FFG-36). The first of these port visits took place from April 14-17 in St. Maarten and from May 15-18 in Antigua. GW returned to Norfolk on May 24. In a ceremony held on September 1, Commanding Officer Garry R. White was promoted to Rear Admiral, marking a rare occasion when a Flag Officer commanded a ship. She entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a Planned Incremental Availability in September to prepare for her upcoming homeport transfer to Yokosuka Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan. Work included the removal and replacement of the ship's radar mast, propeller screws, and re-alignment of the Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department. On December 14, Rear Admiral White was relieved by Captain David Dykhoff in a ceremony held at Naval Station Norfolk.

In April 2008, USS George Washington embarked on a significant journey, departing Norfolk, Virginia, for a transit around South America. This voyage included the Gringo-Gaucho exercise with the Argentine Naval Aviation, enhancing interoperability between the two navies. The carrier's ultimate destination was Yokosuka, Japan, where it would replace USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as the forward-deployed carrier. This transition marked a historic moment as George Washington became the first nuclear-powered surface warship to be permanently stationed outside the continental United States. The carrier conducted a planned turnover with Kitty Hawk at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, before proceeding to its new homeport.

In its initial years in Japan, George Washington quickly integrated into the U.S. Seventh Fleet's operations, participating in numerous exercises and missions. The carrier's presence was crucial in maintaining stability and responding to regional threats in the Indo-Pacific. Throughout 2009 and 2010, George Washington conducted several high-profile exercises, including the Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and joint operations with other regional allies.

In 2011, USS George Washington played a pivotal role in humanitarian assistance following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March. As part of Operation Tomodachi, the carrier provided essential support to relief efforts, delivering supplies, and assisting in search and rescue operations. This mission underscored the carrier's versatility and its importance in fostering international cooperation during times of crisis.

The carrier continued to participate in key military exercises throughout 2012 and 2013, enhancing its capabilities and strengthening ties with allied navies. Exercises such as Talisman Sabre with the Australian Navy and RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise) highlighted George Washington's role in promoting regional security and interoperability.

In August 2014, George Washington returned to the United States to undergo a mid-life Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding. This extensive maintenance period, expected to last approximately four years, involved refueling the ship's nuclear reactors, upgrading combat systems, and refurbishing living quarters and other essential areas. The RCOH was crucial in extending the carrier's operational life and ensuring it remained at the forefront of naval technology.

During the RCOH, George Washington underwent significant upgrades and overhauls. These included modernizing its flight deck, installing new radar systems, and improving its defensive capabilities. The carrier's crew also underwent training and preparations to ensure they were ready to resume full operations once the overhaul was complete.

In mid-2018, USS George Washington completed its RCOH and began sea trials to test its new systems and ensure operational readiness. The carrier's return to service was marked by rigorous training exercises and a renewed focus on integrating new technologies and capabilities acquired

After rejoining the fleet, George Washington resumed its role as a vital component of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed forces. The carrier participated in various exercises and missions, reinforcing its position as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region. The ship continued to foster cooperation with allies and enhance maritime security through joint operations and training.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges for the crew of USS George Washington. The carrier implemented strict health protocols to safeguard the crew while maintaining operational readiness. Despite these challenges, George Washington continued to participate in essential missions and exercises, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

In 2022, USS George Washington deployed to the Indo-Pacific region under the command of Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt, the first female to command a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The carrier participated in RIMPAC 2022, the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise, and conducted freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea. These operations reinforced the United States' commitment to maintaining free and open sea lanes and supporting regional allies.

In 2023, USS George Washington continued its operational activities, participating in numerous training exercises to maintain proficiency and readiness. The carrier made a port visit to Yokosuka, Japan, and engaged in joint exercises with regional allies. George Washington's activities underscored its critical role in promoting regional stability and security.