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GWCSG Departs Rio de Janeiro, Continues UNITAS

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080428-04
Release Date: 4/28/2008 10:18:00 AM

From USS George Washington (CVN 73) Public Affairs

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (NNS) -- Sailors of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) departed the South American port city of Rio de Janeiro April 25 after a scheduled four-day port visit and will now begin the operational phase of UNITAS 49-08.

During the port visit, more than 200 Sailors from USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW), USS Farragut (DDG 99) and USS Kauffman (FFG 59) were honored to be part of local improvement efforts.

Sailors performed a variety of tasks, including construction, painting and garden maintenance at three local shelters operated by the charity Task Brasil and also worked alongside Brazilian and Argentine Sailors painting a local school.

GW's Command Religious Ministries Department organized a way for Sailors to donate to two Rio de Janeiro charities, Task Brasil and Instituto Cuidade de Povo. Sailors made donations through their Navy Cash accounts April 20, and were also able to donate any leftover Brazilian currency upon their return from liberty.

Dozens of Sailors from GW and Carrier Air Wing 17 donated blood April 22 as part of a U.S. Consulate-sponsored blood drive to assist local victims of dengue fever.

These Sailors took a break from sightseeing during their port visit and volunteered to help supplement the blood supply during a recent outbreak of the mosquito-borne illness.

Through Morale, Welfare and Recreation-sponsored tours, Sailors also had a chance to see some of Rio's most famous tourist attractions.

The tours took them to Sugarloaf Mountain, the world-famous Monument of Christ the Redeemer and Maracena, one of the world's largest soccer stadiums.

Following the port visit, the GWCSG will continue with UNITAS 49-08, a Partnerships of America exercise which began April 22 designed to enhance mutual cooperation, understanding and interoperability for participating navies.

For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/.