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USS George Washington Arrives in St. Maarten

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060415-15
Release Date: 4/15/2006 11:45:00 AM

By Chief Journalist (SW/AW/IUSS) Henry W. Rice, USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

ST. MAARTEN (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 arrived in St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, April 14 for a goodwill port visit as part of the ship’s current deployment.

While in port, the approximately 5,000 crew members will have a chance to sightsee, enjoy recreational activities, and participate in various community relations projects with the citizens of St. Maarten. It marks the first port call for the ship, which left its homeport of Norfolk, Va., April 4.

This is the first time in several years that an aircraft carrier has operated in the Western Caribbean, though other U.S. Navy warships routinely operate in this region.

“This visit is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many of the Sailors on board, and the crew is really looking forward to it,” said Capt. Garry White, commanding officer of GW. “They have been working extremely hard and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to experience the history and culture here. We’ve heard a lot about the great hospitality of the people of St. Maarten and look forward to making new friends.”

The George Washington Carrier Strike Group, which includes USS Monterey (CG 61), USS Stout (DDG 55), and USS Underwood (FFG 36), is currently participating in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) sponsored “Partnership of the Americas.”

“Partnership of the Americas” is a maritime training and readiness deployment of U.S. naval forces with countries from the Caribbean and Latin America, in support of SOUTHCOM objectives for enhanced maritime security.

“Through training, operations and communications, ‘Partnership of the Americas’ will strengthen our partnership with our allies who stand with us in promoting maritime security,” said Rear Adm. Joseph Kilkenny, commander of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group. “Our visit to St. Maarten, in addition to providing our Sailors with some memorable recreation, is very much a part of that effort.”

GW was commissioned in 1992, and last visited the island in 1997. The ship is 1,092 feet long, and displaces more than 95,000 tons. The flight deck covers more than 4.5 acres. The ship can reach speeds greater than 30 knots.