The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) returned to sea Sept. 19 to continue her 2011 patrol after three weeks at her forward operating port of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.
“During this part of our patrol, we look forward to increasing friendship and understanding with all of the maritime partners throughout the Western Pacific,” said Capt. David A. Lausman , George Washington’s commanding officer. “Our constant presence here should be a signal and a demonstration to everybody that we are here to help and cooperate with every country in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.”
During the first half of her 2011 patrol which began June 12, George Washington and her crew of 5,500 Sailors logged more than 25,000 nautical miles, operated with nearly a dozen different countries and made a port visit to Thailand. The ship returned to her forward operating port at Yokosuka Aug. 25.
In the months ahead, the Navy’s only permanently forward deployed carrier will participate in the Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF); an exercise that is held every year between the two nations. ANNUALEX involves multiple scenarios that include anti-submarine, air-to-surface and air-to-air warfare training.
“I am personally happy to watch the relationship between our two countries and our two navies continue to grow,” said Lausman. “I could not be more confident and happy with the quality of the professionalism and seamanship of the JMSDF and I always look forward to operating with them in international waters whenever we meet. The men and women of JMSDF are true friends and true shipmates.”
Returning to sea aboard George Washington is Carrier Air Wing 5 which consists of Strike Fighter Squadron 27, Strike Fighter Squadron 102, Strike Fighter Squadron 115, Strike Fighter Squadron 195, Electronic Attack Squadron 136, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 Detachment 5 and Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 14.
[mappress] Source: navy, September 20, 2011;