The U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrived in Manila Bay on October 24. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is conducting a five-day goodwill visit that highlights the strong historic, community and military connections between the United States and the Philippines.
Commissioned in July 4, 1992; the nuclear-powered supercarrier is based in the homeport of Yokosuka, Japan and is being manned with about 5,500 personnel. It carries approximately 80 aircraft of various purposes, primarily F-18 Hornets, helicopters and E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning turboprops.
Prior to its arrival in Manila, the carrier group was in Malaysia for a 4-day routine port visit.
Anchored several kilometers facing the Mall of Asia in Pasay City, members of the media were taken aboard the carrier by ferry boats in a 45-minute cruise with storm signal no. 1 brewing in the metropolis. A short press briefing was conducted inside the hangar with the commander of the carrier group and its public affairs officer. Bad weather prevented our group from touring the flight deck, a disappointment for many who were looking forward to seeing it in operation.
“We have a longstanding history of partnership with the Philippines dating back to the Spanish-American War, and we are always appreciative of the opportunity to be able to work with one of our regional partners,” said Capt. G.J. Fenton, George Washington’s commanding officer. “My Sailors also appreciate the opportunity to engage in new surroundings and for them to be able to visit a nation with such diversity will be a crowning moment in a lot of their lives.”
George Washington Sailors will have the opportunity to interact with the locals via several community service projects set up by the ship. Projects include interacting with school children, teaching basic first-aid at a local hospital facility, and general cleaning and landscaping.
The carrier’s port visit serves also as a home-coming for nearly 800 sailors of Filipino descent.
“George Washington’s visit to the Philippines shows that our 61-year-old mutual defense treaty is still alive. It shows that the United States is committed to the Filipino people and that we actively support a reliable partner and a strong ally.” said Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. while aboard the carrier a day earlier during flight operations observation.
Majority of the crew will be looking for much deserved R&R with most of them touring the nearby Mall of Asia, trying the local cuisine and shopping for souvenirs.
VRs taken on October 25, 2012. The author can be reached at: fung@firefly.ph
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