USS George Washington visits Manila

MANILA, Philippines – The US Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is on a 5-day goodwill visit to the Philippines.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, which arrived in Manila Bay last Wednesday, October 24, aims to highlight the strong historic, community, and military connections between the Philippines and the United States. The supercarrier was anchored several kilometers from Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Commissioned on July 4, 1992, the nuclear-powered supercarrier is based in the homeport of Yokosuka, Japan and is manned by 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.

Members of the media were taken aboard the carrier by ferry boats on a 45-minute cruise despite Storm Signal No. 1 due to “Ofel” 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 operate.

“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 Captain GJ 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,” Fenton added.

George Washington sailors will have the opportunity to interact with the locals through several community service projects set up by the ship. Projects also include teaching basic first aid at a local hospital facility, and general cleaning and landscaping.

The carrier’s port visit serves also as a homecoming 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 US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr while aboard the carrier a day earlier to observe flight operations.

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. – Rappler.com

VRs taken on October 25, 2012. The author can be reached at: <a href=”mailto:fung@firefly.ph”>fung@firefly.ph</a></i>