George Washington Strike Group
GWSTRKGRU / GWCSG
George Washington Battle Group
GWBATGRU
CVN-73 George Washington
"Spirit of Freedom"
Since commissioning, George Washington has made three Mediterranean / Arabian Gulf deployments. During GW's maiden deployment the ship proudly served as the backdrop for the 50th anniversary of D-Day.
The U.S. Navy announced Dec. 2, 2005 that USS George Washington (CVN 73) will replace USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the forward-deployed aircraft carrier in the western Pacific and will arrive in Yokosuka, Japan, in 2008.
The forward deployment of George Washington will not necessitate a change in the assigned air wing in Japan, nor in the composition of the air wing. Carrier Air Wing 5 will remain the forward-deployed air wing.
This rotation is part of the Navy’s long-range effort to routinely replace older ships assigned to the Navy’s forward-deployed naval forces with newer or more capable platforms. It is part of an ongoing effort to consider the nature of all forward deployed forces when looking at the unpredictable security environment in the western Pacific.
USS George Washington (CVN 73) Sailors gathered for a ceremony on the flight deck, 30 June 2006, to commemorate the nation’s 230th, and the ship’s 14th birthday. Capt. Kent Whalen, GW’s executive officer, was on hand as Sailors showed their appreciation to America and reaffirmed their dedication to traditions established by our founding fathers in 1776. “Independence Day recognizes everyone, civilian and military alike, who has contributed to making the United States what it is today,” said Chief Hull Technician (SW/AW) Jaymond Calmes, GW’s History and Heritage Committee coordinator.
During the ceremony, Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Michael McKinley read the account of the life and times of the ship’s namesake, Gen. George Washington. “I’m here making sure everyone at home can sleep at night while I stand watch,” said McKinley. “I’m here to make sure we can remain a free nation.” “It’s an honor to serve aboard this ship,” said Chief Religious Programs Specialist (SW) Edward Snyder, master of ceremonies for the event. “This is a ship named after the first president of our country, and as I was standing there listening to everyone reading, I felt this ship is a part of American history.” Later in the day, a cake-cutting ceremony was held on the mess decks for all hands to bring the event to a close.
