The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 embarked departed Naval Station Norfolk April 25 to deploy to the USS area of ​​responsibility. US Southern Command as part of Southern Seas 2024.

George Washington will complete a homeport change as the ship and crew replace the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) as the forward-deployed aircraft carrier, Naval Forces Japan (FDNF-J), forward-deployed to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan this fall.

After completing her midlife complex refueling and overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding in May 2023, George Washington has prepared for deployment over the past ten months by completing numerous pre-deployment certifications and inspections, including: flight deck certification, custom ship training availability. /Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP), and the Inspection and Survey Board.

“The Warfighter Team is ready to go,” said Capt. Tim Waits of Anniston, Alabama, commanding officer of the George Washington. “Not only for the adventure that awaits us in South America, but also to serve as the aircraft carrier for the naval forces deployed in Yokosuka.”

For most sailors aboard the George Washington, this deployment will be their first deployment.

George Washington, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) and the Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment tanker USNS John Lenthall (T-AO-189) are scheduled to conduct passage exercises and operations at sea with the friendly nation. maritime forces as ships circumnavigate the South American continent.