Photos: U.S. Super aircraft carrier USS George Washington docked in Philippines

USS George Washington (CVN-73) is an American nuclear-powered supercarrier, the sixth ship in the Nimitz class and the fourth United States Navy ship to be named after George Washington, the first President of the United States.

Filipino-American members of the U.S. Navy stand inside the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington docked in Manila Bay, the Philippines, Oct. 25, 2012. The U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived in the Philippines for professional exchanges between the U.S. and Philippine Navy counterparts

U.S. navy soldiers walk inside the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington docked in Manila Bay, the Philippines, Oct. 25, 2012.

U.S. navy soldiers stand in front of a fighter jet inside the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington docked in Manila Bay, the Philippines, Oct. 25, 2012

U.S. navy soldiers walk inside the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington docked in Manila Bay, the Philippines, Oct. 25, 2012

Gregory J. Fenton, commanding officer of U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington, speaks inside the ship docked in Manila Bay, the Philippines, Oct. 25, 2012.

Filipino-American members of the U.S. Navy stand inside the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington docked in Manila Bay, the Philippines, Oct. 25, 2012

The U.S. Navy's Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived in Manila Bay, Philippines on Oct. 24 – October 29, 2012 for a five-day goodwill visit.

 

While in the Philippines, the ship will host a welcome reception that will be attended by Filipino dignitaries and distinguished visitors, as well as U.S. embassy and military personnel. Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus is also expected to attend.

 

"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.

 

The ship's visit to the Philippines will also allow Sailors to take a break from the grueling operational work, experience the local culture, and participate in community service projects set up by USS George Washington. Projects include interacting with school children, teaching basic first-aid at a local hospital facility, and general cleaning and landscaping. In addition, Filipino-born members of the crew can take the opportunity to re-connect with the family or relatives they have not seen for years.

 

"As the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier, we fly more often and operate in a less forgiving operational environment than any other carrier in the fleet; the crew deserves a break," said Legalman 1st Class Manny Gaona, from Greeley, Colo. "With us being allowed to visit the Philippines, we will be able to spend some time taking in the sights and enjoying some much-deserved rest and relaxation."

 

USS George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Asia-Pacific region.