USS George Washington Embarks on Mission to Japan

In a strategic move by the United States Navy, USS George Washington has taken over as the forward-deployed aircraft carrier, relieving USS Ronald Reagan in this critical role. Ronald Reagan had been stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, for nearly nine years until its recent departure in May. Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, the head of Carrier Strike Group 5, emphasized the significance of this transition for regional stability.

“USS George Washington departed from San Diego to conclude its journey back to Japan, reaffirming its role as the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier,” Adm. Newkirk stated. “Its presence symbolizes America’s dedication to maintaining stability in this vital region. The ship will work alongside partner navies to enhance operational compatibility, aiming for seamless integration,” he added.

The USS George Washington recently completed an extensive midlife refueling and complex overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding, finalizing preparations in May 2023. After ten months of pre-deployment checks and inspections, the carrier set sail from Norfolk, Virginia, in April. It embarked on the Southern Seas deployment, traveling around South America, before making a stop in San Diego in July.

As part of its new assignment, Carrier Air Wing 5 will embark on George Washington. After training at Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada, they will journey across the Pacific Ocean, ultimately returning to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan. The commanding officer of George Washington, Capt. Timothy Waits, expressed pride in his team, stating, “This crew, together with Carrier Air Wing 5, is ready and eager to serve as the Navy’s foremost forward-deployed aircraft carrier.”

Marking its second tenure as the Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Japan aircraft carrier, George Washington is no stranger to this role. In 2008, it became the first nuclear-powered carrier stationed in Japan, serving until Ronald Reagan took over in 2015. Following its operations within both the U.S. 3rd Fleet and the 7th Fleet, George Washington is expected to reach Yokosuka in late fall.