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GW Arrives in Antigua

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060515-08
Release Date: 5/15/2006 4:32:00 PM

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

ANTIGUA (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 arrived in Antigua May 15 for a goodwill port visit as part of the ship’s current deployment.

While in port, the approximately 4,000 crew members will have a chance to sightsee, enjoy recreational activities and participate in various community relations projects with the citizens of Antigua. It marks the second port call for the ship, which left her 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 deployment has been extremely successful for the George Washington Team,” said Capt. Garry R. White, commanding officer of GW. "We are meeting all of our training objectives and forging much stronger alliances with our partner nations in this region. The crew had a wonderful time in St. Maarten, and we accomplished numerous community relations projects with our work at schools, orphanages and other facilities. We look forward to the same interaction and success in Antigua.”

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.

"Each of the events the ships perform during ‘Partnership of the Americas’ enhances theater security cooperation, which supports our ability to respond multilaterally to safeguard regional security," said Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, Rear Adm. James W. Stevenson Jr. "Whether the Sailors make repairs to a school or hospital in a community relations project or conduct military-to-military training with regional maritime forces, each effort directly supports security cooperation."

GW Sailors are scheduled to participate in community relations projects May 17 at seven locations in the local community including local schools and churches. More than 230 Sailors plan to complete more than 1,100 volunteer hours in the community during the projects.

GW was commissioned in 1992 and last visited the region 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.

GW left her homeport in Norfolk, Va., April 4 and is scheduled to return later this spring.