The USS George Washington (CVN 73) has returned to Japan, yet another U.S. naval power milestone in the Indo-Pacific. For nearly a decade, the forward-deployed carrier has been at Yokosuka in the USS Ronald Reagan. Now home is the George Washington—re-armed, rejuvenated, and with a close, continued relationship with Japan.
This turnover was far more than turning over keys to a new vessel. It involved months of planning with the Japanese government and involved transferring entire air wings, command personnel, and sections of the crew itself.
Nearly 350 sailors—nearly 13 percent of the Ronald Reagan’s personnel—joined the George Washington, bringing their hard-won regional experience with them. This careful transition made it possible for the smooth continuation of operations in a bid to maintain the experience gained over decades of being at sea to run uninterrupted.
Before setting off for Yokosuka, George Washington had to endure a gargantuan refueling and advanced overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding. The operation that was spread over an effective six-year timespan and cost $2.8 billion refurbished the carrier to its initial state mid-life. From reactors to warfighting and avionics systems, almost everything was replaced.
The overhaul crew battled pandemic-enforced delays and supply chain issues, utilizing creative solutions and new technology to maintain the project’s momentum. The vessel is now ready to commission the Navy’s next-generation air wing, including the F-35C Lightning II, with increased range, stealth, and firepower than ever before.
Its return to Yokosuka is as much symbolic as it is about capability. In a visit aboard the carrier, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III remarked that the arrival of a forward-deployed carrier is a strong expression of commitment. “When America sends a message that it cares, it generally sends a United States Navy ship.”.
When America must make a statement that it cares, it sends a carrier battle group, he explained. With Carrier Air Wing 5 and Destroyer Squadron 15, George Washington is ready to open up important shipping lanes, shore up alliances, and be ready for whatever comes next.
Transition was smooth partly because leadership. Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, who led Carrier Strike Group 5 and Task Force 70 at turnover, commended both crews for professionalism and commitment, terming George Washington’s return “a tangible and lasting reminder of our nation’s resolve to uphold peace, stability, and freedom in the region.”
Under new command by Captain Timothy Waits—a battle-seasoned veteran of numerous carrier deployments across the Pacific and Indian Oceans—the ship has a firm hand on the rudder and a crew ready to take on forward deployment challenges.
The history of George Washington in Japan goes deep. It was the very first nuclear carrier ever to become its home in 2008, a new frontier for cooperation between the two nations. It became the hub of defense operations as well as humanitarian operations, such as the relief of the earthquake and tsunami disaster of 2011. On its return from extended scheduled refurbishments and overseas assignments, it returns again to reaffirm a firm and stable partnership.
Home now in Yokosuka, the USS George Washington stands ready with its newly upgraded systems, an experienced crew, and an old friend of a task—to help ensure peace, stability, and freedom in one of the world’s most critical maritime regions. Its path from overhaul back to redeployment is less about technology and engineering and more about sailors and leaders who bring meaningful life to the ship and make it a meaningful force.