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George Washington Hosts Future Philippine Naval Leaders

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100907-14
9/7/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Danielle A. Brandt, USS George Washington Public Affairs

MANILA, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted graduates of the Philippine Military Academy Sept. 2-4 as part of a series of professional exchanges.

The graduates experienced daily life aboard the ship by touring the hangar bay, mess decks, medical department, flight deck and navigation bridge as well as mingling with the crew to observe the types of operations conducted aboard a Nimitz-class carrier.

The visit helped strengthen cooperation between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of the Philippines, as well as providing the young officers with insight into life at sea.

"We don't have this kind of vessel in our country," said Ensign Ricardo Paulo B Villarba II. "We hope to not only to learn about the new technology, but to study your culture and work ethics as well because it is something we can incorporate in our own navy."

The visitors watched flight operations and learned about the launching and recovering of aircraft as well as the systems on board the ship that make these evolutions possible.

"I didn't know they made elevators that were big enough to move airplanes," said Ensign Eden Rose Santiago.

While the junior officers were attentive to their surroundings, taking notes and asking as many questions as they could, they still took the time to talk to enlisted crew members from the Philippines embarked upon the ship.

"I was told there are about 300 crew members from the Philippines on board the ship," said Santiago. "I had know idea there were so many, but it's nice to meet people that are from the same country we are."

The George Washington is the Navy's only forward deployed aircraft carrier and is stationed at commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. It is currently on its summer patrol ensuring security and stability in the western Pacific.