George Washington returns to Yokosuka

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, returned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, on Dec. 11 after completing operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

George Washington departed Yokosuka on June 10 to conduct routine operations with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, including multilateral exercises Talisman Sabre 2025, Carrier Strike Group Exercise and engagements with Australia, Canada, Japan, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea. George Washington CSG continues to advance cooperation and partnership, advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific.

"Our mission is to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win decisively in war," said Capt. Tim Waits, commanding officer of George Washington. "Our presence in the Indo-Pacific and integration with our allies and partners gives us a strategic advantage that enables mission success."
George Washington Sailors manned the rails for the return to port where families were gathered to welcome the crew home.
"I'm incredibly proud of everything this crew has accomplished this year," said Waits.

During the underway period, the George Washington CSG visited Manila, Philippines; Guam; and Busan, Republic of Korea. The strike group hosted key leaders in port and at sea, highlighting the importance of our commitment to the region. A highlight of its time in Yokosuka included a visit from the president of the United States and the prime minister of Japan.

"Through every operation, we send a clear message: the United States stands firmly with our allies, and we are committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific," said Rear Adm. Eric Anduze, commander, Task Force 70/CSG-5.

The George Washington CSG is composed of George Washington, Carrier Air Wing 5, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Shoup (DDG 86) and USS McCampbell (DDG 85).

George Washington is the U.S. Navy's premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States' commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet.