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George Washington Manned and Ready with Carrier Air Wing 5

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS130626-07
6/26/2013

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- More than 2,000 Sailors assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 embarked the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) for its upcoming patrol, June 25.

Living areas, safety and food are main priorities for the more than 5,000 Sailors aboard George Washington. The crew has made significant improvements that were easily noted by CVW 5.

"There were many challenges during the travel from Atsugi to George Washington," said Naval Aircrewman (Tactical Helicopter) 1st Class Walton Stone, from the "Saberhawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77. "However, the move onto the ship was smooth. Everything from the lights, lockers and sheets were all clean, which made it very easy to get comfortable. This is also the best work space I've had."

The move aboard a ship also includes the issue of mandatory safety gear and personal protective equipment (PPE).

"To prepare for the air wing's move onto the ship, George Washington's damage control team sent four to five personnel to Atsugi every day for more than three weeks," said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Hilary Payton, from George Washington's engineering department. "Every single member of [CVW 5] had to be fitted for proper PPE, to include flash gear, in case of fire casualty drills, general quarters and other emergencies."

The food service team aboard George Washington, with CVW 5's addition of 47 food service assistants and 29 culinary specialists, also made it possible to have two lines on the aft mess deck, four lines on the forward mess deck, one line at the Delaware Crossing specialty food service lines, the chief petty officers' mess and three wardrooms to provide food for all of the Sailors aboard.

"Coming aboard George Washington allows us to spread the work out more evenly," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Ladecha Beverly, from the "Eagles" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115. "The food will be amazing during this patrol. I have never eaten off of the food service line and now I am excited to have this food."

George Washington and its embarked air wing, CVW 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.