USS George Washington departs for Japan
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Excitement was in the air as the crew got ready this morning, boarding the USS George Washington as it forward-deploys to Japan for the second time after spending the last six years calling Hampton Roads home.
The USS George Washington spent the last six years at Newport News Shipbuilding undergoing maintenance and updating, completing a midlife refueling and complex overhaul in May 2023. Now, the George Washington gets to head back into foreign waters — a first for many onboard.
“My mom, when I told her, well, she was a little nervous at first, but yeah I’m excited to go to Japan just to try new things, meet new people,” CSSN Imani Murphy said.
The USS George Washington will relieve the USS Ronald Reagan in Yokosuka, Japan as the forward-deployed naval forces aircraft carrier, deploying to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations as part of Southern Seas 2024. Taking the southern route around South America, it will stop in Brazil, Chile and Peru before going up the west coast.
The USS George Washington previously served as the forward-deployed naval forces aircraft carrier in 2008, when it became the first nuclear-powered carrier forward-deployed to Japan.
“Team Warfighter is ready to go,” said Capt. Tim Waits, commanding officer of George Washington. “Not only for the adventure that awaits in South America, but ready to serve as the nation’s forward-deployed naval forces carrier in Yokosuka.”
Chopper 10 was able to capture footage of the USS George Washington leaving Norfolk.
A few families braved the cold winds pier side at Naval Station Norfolk, but most families were at Fort Monroe to wave goodbye. Nevaeh Daniels’ husband is onboard and will be stationed in Washington state.
“He’s excited but it’s a nerve-racking thing,” Daniels said. “It’s his first deployment as well, and first time being away from family. So, we’re nervous for both of us.”
For Commanding Master Chief Randy Swanson, it’s a homecoming of sorts. He was born in Japan when his dad was stationed there.
“I have a picture of myself when I was in the 6th grade,” Swanson said. “My dad was on the forward-deployed aircraft carrier out there. It was a tiger cruise picture of him. And now to go back as the commanding master chief, I mean, a full circle moment, what an honor it is.”
In the past, the George Washington has been tied to tragedy — nine sailors died by suicide between 2017 and 2022. According to the Navy, increased mental health measures for sailors have been implemented.
Moving forward, you can tell it’s on the minds of these sailors, who say you have to make a plan to succeed.
“So right now, I’ve got a crew, like, I’ve got a good group,” Murphy said. “We eat like a real good family. So we make sure, after work, we shine our boots, we listen to music together just to make sure everybody stays afloat.”
USS George Washington will arrive in Japan sometime towards the end of this year.
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