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SECNAV Visits USS George Washington

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS151103-08
Release Date: 11/3/2015 12:01:00 PM

By By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Mai,
USS George Washington Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus visited Sailors aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73), Oct. 30 - Nov. 1, as the ship transited the Strait of Magellan.

'The Strait of Magellan marks our half-way point in our [Southern Seas 2015] tour, as we transit from the Pacific to the Atlantic ocean,' said Capt. Timothy C. Kuehhas, Washington's commanding officer. 'It is a remarkable experience for the crew to have the SECNAV come aboard our ship during this time.'

Mabus' visit included a tour of the ship, observing transit of the strait, a group photo, and an all-hands call.

'The impact that you have just can't be overstated,' the SECNAV said of the crew. 'What the Navy and Marine Corps uniquely do for our country is presence. We are not only there at the right place, at the right time; we're at the right place all the time.'

The secretary also conducted award presentations, promotion and pinning ceremonies, and re-enlisted Sailors during the all-hands call.

'I think the occasion of re-enlisting is important because it shows your fellow shipmates that you are dedicated, not only to the service, but to them as well,' said Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Johnrobert Scarbrough. 'It is an honor to have the Secretary of the Navy re-enlist me at my milestone of 10 years of service.'

Mabus took the time to pose for photos with the crew after the all-hands call.

'I had the opportunity to shake his hand and pose for a picture with him,' said Yeoman 2nd Class Rachelle Wollke. 'I was extremely humbled that he made time for Sailors, not only to educate us on career and Navy developments, but to personally meet us and ask questions.'

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier anchored outside of Punta Arenas, Chile, Nov. 1, a city located in the middle of the 570-kilometer voyage through the Strait of Magellan.

George Washington is deployed as part of Southern Seas 2015, which seeks to enhance interoperability, increase regional stability, and build and maintain relationships with countries throughout the region through joint, multinational and interagency exchanges and cooperation.