GW Celebrates Birth of a Nation, Birth of a Ship
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS050707-10
Release Date: 7/7/2005 1:56:00 PM
By Journalist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jerry Foltz, USS George Washington Public Affairs
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) held a commemoration ceremony July 1 on the flight deck to celebrate the 13th birthday of one of the Navy’s finest and most advanced aircraft carriers, as well as the 229th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Capt. Garry R. White, GW’s commanding officer, Executive Officer Capt. Kent Whalen, and approximately 300 other GW Sailors showed their appreciation to America and reaffirmed their dedication to the traditions founded by our forefathers in 1776.
Aug. 25, 1986, the “Spirit of Freedom” began as the GW keel was laid, but it is her commissioning date of July 4 that is remembered more often.
The celebration, coordinated by Chaplain Cmdr. Robert Williams and hosted by Senior Chief Hull Technician (SW/AW) Douglas Fisher, GW’s History and Heritage committee chairman, was one of many festive events highlighted by the GW History and Heritage committee.
The patriotic tribute began with a performance by GW’s rifle and drill team.
“It was a pleasure to show the talents we have learned while serving aboard. Every ceremony that we do is another opportunity to give back to the GW and our homeland,” said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class (SW/AW) Jay Vasquez, GW’s drill team leader.
Words of remembrance marked the occasion as Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. James Edwards read the invocation, asking everyone in attendance to “remember the lessons learned from our country’s rich and diverse history, and to carry on the legacy of freedom and liberty throughout the world.”
Machinery Repairman 2nd Class (SW) William Neault spoke next, reading a condensed account on the life and times of our first commander in chief and the ship's namesake, Gen. George Washington.
“I had no idea of the great accomplishments that this man made to our country,” Neault said, “and it has made me understand our mission a little bit more.”
But no birthday would complete without cake. Later in the day, a cake-cutting ceremony was held on the mess deck for all hands to bring the commemorative event to a close.
George Washington is currently in dry-dock at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard for its Docked Planned Incremental Availability and will return to operations later this year.
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