View source for USS George Washington (CVN-73)

{{short description|US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier}}
{{Other ships|USS George Washington}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin
| infobox caption = yes
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{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = File:US Navy 101206-N-5538K-395 The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 76) transits the East China Sea.jpg
| Ship caption = USS ''George Washington'' transiting the East China Sea, December 2010
}}
{{Infobox ship career
| Hide header = 
| Ship country = United States
| Ship flag = {{USN flag}}
| Ship name = ''George Washington''
| Ship namesake = [[George Washington]]
| Ship owner = 
| Ship operator = 
| Ship registry = 
| Ship route = 
| Ship ordered = 27 December 1982
| Ship awarded = 
| Ship builder = [[Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Newport News]]
| Ship original cost = 
| Ship yard number = 
| Ship way number = 
| Ship laid down = 25 August 1986
| Ship launched = 
| Ship sponsor = [[Barbara Bush (First Lady)|Barbara Bush]]
| Ship christened = 21 July 1990
| Ship completed = 
| Ship acquired = 
| Ship commissioned = 4 July 1992
| Ship recommissioned = 
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| Ship maiden voyage = 
| Ship in service = 
| Ship out of service = 
| Ship renamed = 
| Ship reclassified = 
| Ship refit = 
| Ship struck = 
| Ship reinstated = 
| Ship homeport = [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka|CFAY Yokosuka JP]]
| Ship identification = *{{MMSI Number|368913000}}
*[[Maritime call sign|Callsign]]: NNGW
*{{ICS|November}}{{ICS|November}}{{ICS|Golf}}{{ICS|Whiskey}}
*[[Hull number]]: CVN-73
| Ship motto = ''Spirit of Freedom''
| Ship honors = 
| Ship nickname = ''GW''
| Ship captured = 
| Ship fate = 
| Ship status = {{ship in active service}}
| Ship notes = Currently Enroute around South America through Magellan Straits to San Diego for a CVN Swap With CVN-76 then on to new Homeport FA Yokosuka, JP.
| Ship badge = [[File:CVN-73 insignia.png|153px]]
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header = 
| Header caption = 
| Ship class = [[Nimitz-class aircraft carrier|''Nimitz''-class]] [[aircraft carrier]]
| Ship type = 
| Ship tonnage = 
| Ship displacement = {{convert|104200|LT|ST}}<ref>{{cite book |title=The Naval Institute guide to the ships and aircraft of the U.S. fleet |last=Polmar |first=Norman |year=2004 |publisher=Naval Institute Press |isbn=978-1-59114-685-8 |page=112 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8MwyTX-iA2wC&q=nimitz+class+displacement&pg=PA112 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324104208/https://books.google.com/books?id=8MwyTX-iA2wC&pg=PA112&dq=nimitz+class+displacement#v=onepage&q=nimitz%20class%20displacement&f=false |archive-date=24 March 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usna.edu/NAOE/_files/documents/Courses/EN400/04.04%20CVN.pdf|title=CVN-68: NIMITZ CLASS}}</ref>
| Ship length = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier length}}
| Ship beam = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier beam}}
| Ship height = 
| Ship draft = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier draught}}
| Ship depth = 
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| Ship decks = 
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| Ship ice class = 
| Ship power = 
| Ship propulsion = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier propulsion}}
| Ship sail plan = 
| Ship speed = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier speed}}
| Ship range = {{Nuclear ship range}}
| Ship endurance = 
| Ship test depth = 
| Ship boats = 
| Ship capacity = 
| Ship troops = 
| Ship complement = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier complement}}
| Ship crew = 6012
| Ship time to activate = 
| Ship sensors = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier sensors I}}
| Ship EW = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier EW}}
| Ship armament = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier armament III}}
| Ship armor = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier armour}}
| Ship aircraft = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier aircraft}}
| Ship aircraft facilities = 
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}}
|}

'''USS ''George Washington''''' ('''CVN-73''') is a [[United States Navy]] nuclear-powered [[aircraft carrier]], the sixth carrier in the {{sclass|Nimitz|aircraft carrier|4}} and the fourth US Navy ship with that name, after [[George Washington]], [[Founding Fathers of the United States|Founding Father]], commander-in-chief of the [[Continental Army]] during the [[American Revolutionary War]], and the first [[President of the United States|president]] of the [[United States]]. The contract for ''George Washington'' was awarded to [[Northrop Grumman Newport News|Newport News Shipbuilding]] on 27 December 1982. Her [[keel]] was laid on 25 August 1986, she was christened on 21 July 1990 by [[First Lady]] [[Barbara Bush (First Lady)|Barbara Bush]], and the vessel was [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] at [[Naval Station Norfolk]] on 4 July 1992.

In 2008, USS ''George Washington'' became the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier to be forward-deployed at naval base [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka|Yokosuka]], [[Japan]].

The carrier underwent her four-year [[Refueling and overhaul#Refueling and Complex Overhaul|Refueling and Complex Overhaul]] (RCOH) beginning in August 2017. After refueling was completed additional repairs were found to be needed and the overhaul was extended. The ship was re-delivered to the Navy in late May 2023.

==Description==
''George Washington'' (commonly known as ''GW'') is {{convert|1092|ft|m}} long, {{cvt|257|ft|m}} wide and {{cvt|244|ft|m}} high. The super carrier can accommodate approximately 90 aircraft and has a flight deck {{convert|4.5|acres|m2}} in size, using four elevators that are {{convert|3880|ft2|m2}} each to move planes between the flight deck and the hangar bay. With a combat load, ''GW'' displaces almost {{convert|97000|LT|t|lk=in}} and can accommodate 6,250 crewmembers. Her four distilling units can make 400,000 U.S. gallons (1,500,000 L) of [[potable water]] a day; the food service divisions serve 18,000 meals per day. There are over 2,500 compartments on board requiring 2,520&nbsp;[[refrigeration ton]]s (8.6&nbsp;MW) of air conditioning capacity (enough to cool over 2,000 homes). The warship uses two Mark II [[Anchor#Stockless anchor|stockless anchors]] that weigh 30&nbsp;tons{{Vague|which tons?|date=January 2010}} each, with each link of the anchor chain weighing {{convert|360|lb|kg}}. It is currently equipped with two 20&nbsp;mm [[Phalanx CIWS]] mounts and two [[Sea Sparrow]] SAM launchers. One CIWS and one Sea Sparrow mount were removed to make way for two [[RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile]] launchers, installed during the 2005 Drydocking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA).

===Propulsion===
The ship can reach speeds of over {{convert|30|kn|lk=in}} and is powered by two Westinghouse [[A4W]] [[nuclear reactor]]s and has four 5-bladed propellers of {{convert|66,220|lb|kg}} each. This means that ''George Washington'' can travel more than {{convert|3000000|nmi|lk=in}} before needing refueling.

==History==
[[File:900721-N-N0101-900 (39801537950).jpg|thumb|right|[[Barbara Bush]] christens USS ''George Washington'' on July 21, 1990 at [[Newport News Shipbuilding]] as President [[George H. W. Bush]] watches.]]

===2001–2006===
''George Washington'' was deployed to protect New York City after the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/09/11/chronology.attack |title=September 11: Chronology of terror |publisher=[[CNN]] |date=12 September 2001 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-date=29 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329124129/http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/09/11/chronology.attack/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 20 February 2004, on a sixth deployment, ''George Washington'' entered the [[Gulf of Aden]], and a week later, was conducting operations in the [[Persian Gulf]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=USS George Washington CVN-73|url=https://www.historycentral.com/navy/CvN74GW.html|access-date=2022-02-01|website=www.historycentral.com}}</ref>

On 28 January 2005, she entered the shipyard for Drydocking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA). Many of the ship's systems were upgraded and maintenance was done to the hull. Her four [[jet blast deflector]]s were removed and upgraded to handle the increased heat generated by the [[F/A-18E/F Super Hornet]]. One defensive [[Phalanx CIWS]] mount and one [[Sea Sparrow]] launcher were replaced by two [[Rolling Airframe Missile]] launchers. During the 11&nbsp;months she was drydocked, the crew contributed 20,000&nbsp;hours of volunteer community service to the city of [[Newport News, Virginia]]. The work was completed on schedule, and ''George Washington'' returned to her home port of Norfolk on 17 December 2005.{{citation needed|date=January 2014}}
[[File:US Navy 030202-N-6278J-001 Rescue at sea aboard the USS George Washington CVN 73.jpg|thumb|right|''George Washington'' personnel carry injured personnel across the ship's flight deck after four personnel were rescued from the burning [[Merchant vessel|merchant fishing vessel]], ''Diamond Shoal''.]]
On 1 December 2005, the United States Navy announced that ''George Washington'' would replace {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CV-63|2}} as the forward-deployed carrier at [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka|the U.S. Yokosuka Naval Base]] in Japan, becoming the first nuclear-powered surface warship permanently stationed outside the continental U.S.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=21248 |title=USS ''George Washington'' to Replace USS Kitty Hawk as U.S. Navy's Forward Deployed Carrier |publisher=United States Navy |date=2 December 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061025231742/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=21248 |archive-date=25 October 2006 }}</ref> In an attempt to explain the carrier's mission to the Japanese public, the U.S. Navy printed a [[manga]] about life aboard GW, titled "CVN-73".<ref name="U.S. Navy manga">{{cite web |url=http://www.animekon.com/news-517-US-Navy-Manga-Set-To-Invade-Japan.html |title=U.S. Navy Manga Set To Invade Japan |author=Stokky |publisher=Animekon |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228201033/http://www.animekon.com/news-517-US-Navy-Manga-Set-To-Invade-Japan.html |archive-date=28 December 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://mangapark.me/manga/cvn-73/s2/c0/10-6 |title= CVN 73 Manga |website=MangaPark |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312201620/http://mangapark.me/manga/cvn-73/s2/c0/10-6 |archive-date=12 March 2017 |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:USS George Washington(C-73).jpg|thumb|right|245px|USS ''George Washington'' on her way to [[Norfolk Naval Shipyard]]]]

''George Washington'' and [[CVW-17]] left Norfolk on 4 April for a scheduled two-month deployment to operate as part of [[SOUTHCOM]]'s "Partnership of the Americas". This deployment included counter-drug operations in the [[Caribbean Sea]], crew exchanges and exercises with Latin American and South American navies, and port visits for the carrier and strike group, which consisted of the [[cruiser]] {{USS|Monterey|CG-61|2}}, the [[destroyer]] {{USS|Stout|DDG-55|2}}, and the [[frigate]] {{USS|Underwood|FFG-36|2}}. The first of these port visits took place from 14–17 April in [[St. Maarten]], and [[Antigua]] from 15–18 May. She returned to Norfolk on 24 May.{{citation needed|date=January 2014}}

===2008 fire and 2009===

On 7 April 2008, ''George Washington'', with CVW-17 and Carrier Strike Group 8 embarked, departed Norfolk en route to [[Yokosuka, Japan]] to replace ''Kitty Hawk'', taking a route around South America as she is too large for the [[Panama Canal]]; she took part there in the [[Gringo-Gaucho]] maneuvers with [[Argentine Naval Aviation]]. After the planned turnover with ''Kitty Hawk'' at [[NS Pearl Harbor]], Hawaii, CVW-17 and [[Carrier Strike Group Eight]] were to return to their home ports in the U.S. to be replaced by [[Carrier Air Wing 5]], based at [[Naval Air Facility Atsugi]], and [[Carrier Strike Group Five]] based at [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka|Yokosuka Naval Base]] in Yokosuka, Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36250 |title=USS George Washington Departs |publisher=United States Navy |date=7 April 2008 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629145950/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36250 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

During the South American transit, the ''George Washington'' Battle Group participated in U.S. [[United States Southern Command|Southern Command]] exercises Partnership of the Americas and Unitas, a joint military exercise between the United States, Brazilian and Argentine navies. On 22 April 2008, ''George Washington'' arrived in [[Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil, for her first port visit to that country. The ship traversed the [[Strait of Magellan]] on 9–10 May.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37121 |title=GW Sailors Transit the Strait of Magellan to Arrive in the Pacific |date=15 May 2008 |publisher=United States Navy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629123155/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37121 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:USS GW firefighting in Hangar Bay 3 20080522.jpg|thumb|right|225px|[[Firefighter|Firefighting]] in Hangar Bay 3]]

On 22 May 2008, while the ship was off the Pacific Coast of South America, a fire broke out and injured 37 sailors, with no fatalities, in an incident described by the Navy as "serious".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/23/ship.fire/index.html |title=Sailor treated for burns after fire on carrier |work=CNN |last=Starr |first=Barbara |date=23 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022095939/http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/23/ship.fire/index.html |archive-date=22 October 2014 |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> According to a statement from Naval Air Forces' public affairs office, the fire broke out in the ship's air-conditioning and refrigeration space and an auxiliary boiler room. The fire spread via a cableway and ventilation ducting and caused extreme temperatures in some parts of the ship. It took over twelve hours for the crew to contain and extinguish the fire,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sandiego6.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=3f6a20ee-d84b-452f-b5cc-039ad07369b6 |title=Fire Aboard USS George Washington Causes Injury, Damage |publisher=[[XETV]] |access-date=27 May 2008 |date=23 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211141823/http://www.sandiego6.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=3f6a20ee-d84b-452f-b5cc-039ad07369b6 |archive-date=11 December 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> one of the largest non-combat fires aboard a U.S. Naval vessel since the devastating fire on board {{USS|Forrestal}} in 1967.

On 27 May, ''George Washington'' stopped at [[NAS North Island]] in San Diego, California for repairs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=320fda7c-f8c8-463e-960c-62399b7c5894 |title=USS George Washington Stops in San Diego to Repair Fire Damage |publisher=SanDiego6 |access-date=27 May 2008 |date=27 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211141834/http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=320fda7c-f8c8-463e-960c-62399b7c5894 |archive-date=11 December 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 20 June the Navy announced that the damage from the fire was more serious than previously thought, and that repairs would take at least until August and would cost $70&nbsp;million. As a consequence, ''Kitty Hawk'' was retained in Hawaii during June and July to replace ''George Washington'' in the [[RIMPAC|RIMPAC 2008]] exercises, with the planned turnover to take place in San Diego instead of Hawaii.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20080621-9999-1m21george.html |title=Damaged aircraft carrier to stay in port for repairs |last=Liewer |first=Steve |work=[[San Diego Union-Tribune]] |date=21 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211111801/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20080621-9999-1m21george.html |archive-date=11 December 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://starbulletin.com/2008/07/04/news/story11.html |title=Kitty Hawk remains in Hawaii for RIMPAC |last=Kakesako |first=Gregg K. |work=[[Honolulu Star-Bulletin]] |date=4 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011175130/http://starbulletin.com/2008/07/04/news/story11.html |archive-date=11 October 2008 |access-date=11 January 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

A Navy investigation found that the "entirely preventable" fire had been caused by unauthorized smoking in a room where {{convert|115|USgal|L}} of flammable refrigerant compressor oil was improperly stored. The room was near the aft auxiliary boiler. The ship's damage control team took nearly eight hours to discover the source of the smoke and flames. By that time, the fire had spread to eight decks and 80 compartments, and destroyed miles of electrical and fiber-optic cables. The damage control department had been found deficient in three inspections between June 2007 and April 2008. Although the carrier's commanding officer started a program to remedy the team's training and performance in the month before the fire, the report found those efforts to have been insufficient. Admiral [[Robert F. Willard]], commander of the [[United States Pacific Fleet|U.S. Pacific Fleet]], noted in his investigation, "It is apparent from this extensive study that there were numerous processes and procedures related to fire prevention and readiness and training that were not properly functioning. The extent of damage could have been reduced had numerous longstanding [[Firefighter|firefighting]] and firefighting management deficiencies been corrected." Willard added that "Many crew members ... displayed courage and resolve in fighting the fires."<ref>{{cite news |last=Liewer |first=Steve |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20081007/news_1m7carrier.html |title=Crew Faulted In Blaze On Carrier |work=[[San Diego Union-Tribune]] |date=7 October 2008 |access-date=15 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125200211/http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20081007/news_1m7carrier.html |archive-date=25 November 2011}}</ref>

On 30 July 2008, Willard announced that Captain David C. Dykhoff had been relieved of his duties as Commanding Officer citing "a loss of confidence in his ability to command and his failure to meet mission requirements and readiness standards."  Executive Officer Captain David M. Dober was also relieved for "substandard performance."<ref name="Reuters">{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUST11078420080731 |title=U.S. fires captain of Japan-bound nuclear warship |publisher=[[Reuters]] |date=30 July 2008 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112021307/http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUST11078420080731 |archive-date=12 January 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Eisman, Dale 2008">{{cite news |url=https://www.pilotonline.com/military/article_9c284974-c3e1-59ff-9bdd-f055d92f3a7e.html |title=Two Top Navy Officers Fired Over $70 Million Carrier Blaze |last=Eisman |first=Dale |work=[[Norfolk Virginian-Pilot]] |date=31 July 2008 |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606091734/https://www.pilotonline.com/military/article_9c284974-c3e1-59ff-9bdd-f055d92f3a7e.html |archive-date=6 June 2020}}</ref><ref name="navy.mil">{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38840 |title=USS George Washington Investigation Complete, Senior Leadership Relieved |publisher=United States Navy |date=30 July 2008 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016212136/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38840 |archive-date=16 October 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> Six other sailors were disciplined with [[Nonjudicial punishment|non-judicial punishment]]. Four sailors were found guilty of violating a lawful order and hiding hazardous materials in direct violation of safety regulations. The Navy's Pacific Fleet refused to name the enlisted sailors disciplined. Two non-commissioned officers were found guilty of negligence and dereliction of duty for not properly supervising the workspace.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/sailors-disciplined-for-roles-in-fire-aboard-george-washington-1.82422 |title=Sailors Disciplined For Roles in Fire Aboard George Washington |last=Tritten |first=Travis J. |work=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] |date=29 August 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606085648/https://www.stripes.com/news/sailors-disciplined-for-roles-in-fire-aboard-george-washington-1.82422 |archive-date=6 June 2020 |access-date=6 June 2020}}</ref> The [[Navy and Marine Corps Medal]] was awarded to [[Senior Chief Petty Officer]] Keith Hendrickson for leading a team that rescued four shipmates trapped by the fire deep in the interior of the ship.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.pilotonline.com/military/article_f3862f12-28e3-5408-9407-3913320a98ba.html |last=Wiltrout |first=Kate |title=Sailor Receives Medal, Honoring Him For Saving Shipmates |work=[[Norfolk Virginian-Pilot]] |date=18 October 2009 |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606092357/https://www.pilotonline.com/military/article_f3862f12-28e3-5408-9407-3913320a98ba.html |archive-date=6 June 2020}}</ref>

[[File:USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrives at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Sailors form the phrase, "Nice to meet you" in Japanese, as they arrive in [[Yokosuka]]]]
On 21 August, under new skipper Captain J.R. Haley and executive officer Captain Karl O. Thomas,<ref name="Eisman, Dale 2008"/><ref name="navy.mil"/> ''George Washington'' departed NAS North Island for Japan, with [[Carrier Air Wing Five]] (CVW 5) embarked.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39259 |title=USS George Washington Departs for Japan |date=21 August 2008 |publisher=United States Navy |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108080059/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39259 |archive-date=8 January 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>  The carrier arrived at Yokosuka, Japan on 25 September 2008, where she was met by several hundred local supporters and protesters.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[Kyodo News]] |title=''George Washington'' Arrives Sept. 25 |publisher=[[Japan Times]] |date=13 September 2008}}</ref>

[[File:CVN 73 gnangarra 02.JPG|thumb|right|Anchored in [[Gage Roads]] Western Australia July 2009]]
[[File:US Navy 090529-N-6984M-004 An F-A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).jpg|thumb|right|An [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F/A-18E/F Super Hornet]] assigned to the [[VFA-27|''Royal Maces'']] launches from USS ''George Washington'']]

In June 2009, the Navy revealed that 15 of the carrier's sailors were being expelled from the service for use of illegal [[designer drug]]s.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/navy-to-separate-15-sailors-in-drug-probe-1.93033 |title=Navy to separate 15 sailors in drug probe |last=Slavin |first=Erik |work=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] |date=3 July 2009 |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118142752/https://www.stripes.com/news/navy-to-separate-15-sailors-in-drug-probe-1.93033 |archive-date=18 November 2018}}</ref> On 2 July 2009, ''George Washington'', accompanied by {{USS|Cowpens|CG-63|6}}, anchored on the [[Gage Roads]] of [[Perth]]. Her crew visited [[Fremantle]] and Perth. Local [[brothel]]s recruited extra staff to cope with the increase in business.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/brothels-put-on-staff-for-us-navy/story-0-1225745795928 |title=Brothels put on staff for US navy |date=3 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710033528/http://www.news.com.au/brothels-put-on-staff-for-us-navy/story-0-1225745795928 |archive-date=10 July 2010}}</ref> Crew members volunteered to complete community projects including cleaning, maintenance, and painting at organizations including [[Princess Margaret Hospital for Children|PMH]], a [[Salvation Army]] rehabilitation center, [[Perth Zoo]] and [[Cohunu Koala Park]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Cardy |first=Todd |url=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,25722174-2761,00.html |title=5000 US sailors on USS George Washington prepare for Perth |work=[[PerthNow]] |date=5 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705151009/http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0%2C21598%2C25722174-2761%2C00.html |archive-date=5 July 2009}}</ref> In mid-July the ship took part in [[Exercise Talisman Saber]] off the coast of Australia's [[Northern Territory]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=47265 |title=GW Completes Participation in Talisman Saber |last=Mike |first=John L. |publisher=United States Navy |date=29 July 2009 |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606095910/https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=47265 |archive-date=6 June 2020}}</ref>

From 2 to 6 August 2009, ''George Washington'' made a port call in Singapore where sailors were granted [[R&R (military)|rest and recreation leave]] and participated in community relations projects such as painting and landscaping at a local community center, children's center, special education school and an association for the disabled.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=55299 |title=USS George Washington Sailors Reach out to Disadvantaged Children in Singapore |last=Brandt |first=Danielle A. |date=13 August 2010 |publisher=United States Navy |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606100322/https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=55299 |archive-date=6 June 2020}}</ref>

The ship made a 4-day goodwill visit to [[Manila Bay]], Philippines, anchoring off historic [[Corregidor Island]] from 11 to 15 August 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/metro-manila/08/11/09/uss-george-washington-manila-goodwill-visit |title=USS George Washington in Manila for goodwill visit |date=11 August 2009 |publisher=ABS CBN News |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606100702/https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/metro-manila/08/11/09/uss-george-washington-manila-goodwill-visit |archive-date=6 June 2020}}</ref>

In August 2009, ''George Washington'' participated in the Indonesian Fleet Review, during "Sail Bunaken 2009", in [[North Sulawesi]], [[Indonesia]]. The parade of warships and tall ships from 40 nations included five from the ''George Washington'' Carrier Strike Group, including ''George Washington'', ''Cowpens'', {{USS|Mustin|DDG-89|2}}, {{USS|McCampbell|DDG-85|2}}, and {{USS|Fitzgerald|DDG-62|2}}. Carrier Airwing Five, currently embarked on ''George Washington'', also participated with a multi-aircraft fly-by of the viewing station during the parade.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=47764 |title=GW Carrier Strike Group Participates In Indonesian International Fleet Review |last=Mike |first=John J. |publisher=United States Navy |date=20 August 2009 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606172647/https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=47764 |url-status=dead }}</ref>  The ''George Washington'' Carrier Strike Group returned to Japan 3 September for a maintenance upkeep period prior to her second fall patrol.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=USS George Washington Official Press Release |url=https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=48077 |title=GW CSG Completes Inaugural Summer Deployment, Returns to Yokosuka |last=Oki |first=Charles |date=3 September 2009 |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007133136/https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=48077 |archive-date=7 October 2012}}</ref>

On 29 October ''George Washington'' docked at Hong Kong to resupply and stayed for four to five days.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.szcpost.com/2009/11/u-s-aircraft-carriers-stopped-over-in-hong-kong.html |title=U.S. Aircraft Carriers Stopped over in Hong Kong |author=Rebecca |publisher=Shenzhen Post |date=2 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716183147/http://www.szcpost.com/2009/11/u-s-aircraft-carriers-stopped-over-in-hong-kong.html |archive-date=16 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2010–2016===

On 11 May 2010, ''George Washington'' completed maintenance and refit and departed [[Yokosuka]] for trials.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=53275 |title=GW Starts Sea Trials, Completes SRA |last=Mike |first=John J. |publisher=United States Navy |date=11 May 2020 |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606161001/https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=53275 |archive-date=6 June 2020}}</ref> On 21 July 2010, she arrived at [[Busan]], [[South Korea]] for a port visit and then participated in exercise ''Invincible Spirit'' in the [[Sea of Japan]] with the [[USAF]], [[Republic of Korea Air Force]] and [[Republic of Korea Navy]] from 25 to 28 July 2010. ''Invincible Spirit'' was staged to improve combined operations capability and as a show of deterrence following the [[ROKS Cheonan sinking|ROKS ''Cheonan'' sinking]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/07/205_69826.html |title=F-22 Raptor to join naval drill in Korean seas |work=The Korea Times |date=20 July 2010 |last=Jung |first=Sung-ki |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112173034/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/07/205_69826.html |archive-date=12 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>  The exercise was conducted in the Sea of Japan to placate [[People's Republic of China|China's]] objections to military exercises being conducted in the [[Yellow Sea]]. Due in part to those objections a second exercise, in the Yellow Sea on the west coast of North Korea, was planned.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/29/AR2010072906416.html |title=U.S. takes a tougher tone with China |last=Pomfret |first=John |date=30 July 2010 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811125229/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/29/AR2010072906416.html |archive-date=11 August 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 8 August 2010, ''George Washington'' stopped off the coast of [[Da Nang|Da Nang City]] in the [[South China Sea]] to celebrate the 15th anniversary of normalization of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations, the first Vietnam visit by a U.S. aircraft carrier since the [[Vietnam War]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/topstories/2010-08-07-1453818316_x.htm |title=Former enemies US, Vietnam now military mates |last=Mason |first=Margie |work=USA Today |date=8 August 2010 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017055339/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/topstories/2010-08-07-1453818316_x.htm |archive-date=17 October 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2010, the ''George Washington'' carrier group departed for planned exercises with the Republic of Korea Navy, partially in response to the [[shelling of Yeonpyeong]] and increased tension with [[North Korea]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL3E6MN0SQ20101124 |title=U.S. aircraft carrier heads for Korean waters |last1=Dogyun |first1=Kim |last2=Steward |first2=Phil |publisher=Reuters |date=24 November 2010 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230023152/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL3E6MN0SQ20101124 |archive-date=30 December 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/24/world/asia/24nkorea.html?_r=1&hp |title=Korean Clash Forces the U.S. to Weigh Options |last1=Sanger |first1=David E. |last2=McDonald |first2=Mark |work=The New York Times |date=23 November 2010 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313233842/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/24/world/asia/24nkorea.html?_r=1&hp |archive-date=13 March 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

''George Washington'' was one of several ships participating in disaster relief after the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seawaves.com/japan2011.asp |title=Warships Supporting Earthquake in Japan |publisher=Seawaves |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110323003053/http://www.seawaves.com/japan2011.asp |archive-date=23 March 2011}}</ref>  While docked for maintenance in Yokosuka she detected radiation from the [[Fukushima I nuclear accidents]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/15/japan.nuclear.reactors/index.html?hpt=T1&iref=BN1 |title=Agency: Damaged container may be causing smoke, radiation spike |work=CNN |date=16 March 2011 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417063655/http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/15/japan.nuclear.reactors/index.html?hpt=T1&iref=BN1 |archive-date=17 April 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> and was ordered to leave port before schedule, with a smaller-than-normal crew, to avoid the radioactive plume. The smaller crew was unable to continue to provide aid.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/03/21/japan.military.evacuation/index.html?hpt=T2 |title=U.S. military considers mandatory evacuations in Yokosuka, Japan |last=Lawerence |first=Chris |work=CNN |date=22 March 2011 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112163215/http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/03/21/japan.military.evacuation/index.html?hpt=T2 |archive-date=12 November 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>  While at sea, the carrier made two visits to [[United States Fleet Activities Sasebo]] to exchange crew members and take on maintenance equipment. The ship returned to her berth at Yokosuka on 20 April 2011.<ref>{{cite news |work=[[Kyodo News]] |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2011/04/21/national/carrier-returns-to-yokosuka-as-concerns-ease/#.VLLYZSvF89Q |title=Carrier returns to Yokosuka as concerns ease |publisher=[[Japan Times]] |date=21 April 2011 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017055339/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2011/04/21/national/carrier-returns-to-yokosuka-as-concerns-ease/#.VLLYZSvF89Q |archive-date=17 October 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

A 2011 proposal by [[U.S. Senator]] [[Tom Coburn]] (OK-R) called for the decommissioning of ''George Washington'' in 2016, before beginning her [[RCOH|refueling and complex overhaul]] but after the carrier ''Gerald R. Ford'' enters service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/03-10-reducingthedeficit.pdf |title=Reducing the Deficit: Spending and Revenue Options |publisher=Congressional Budget Office |pages=106 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112062743/http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/03-10-reducingthedeficit.pdf |archive-date=12 January 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

After redeploying on another training cruise, a 25 September 2011 video from the carrier uploaded to [[YouTube]] became a viral hit. In the video, two flight deck crewmen are almost hit by a landing F/A-18, which is waved-off shortly before landing on the deck where the crewmen are walking.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.stripes.com/news/navy/sailors-won-t-face-discipline-for-close-call-with-fighter-jet-navy-says-1.157165 |title=Sailors won't face discipline for close call with fighter jet, Navy says |last=Slavin |first=Erik |work=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] |date=6 October 2011 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903072302/http://www.stripes.com/news/navy/sailors-won-t-face-discipline-for-close-call-with-fighter-jet-navy-says-1.157165 |archive-date=3 September 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 November 2011, ''George Washington'' returned to Japan to conclude her 2011 patrol, with four port visits including Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong and two major exercises while cruising more than 50,000&nbsp;nautical miles across the western Pacific Ocean.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/000713 |title=USS George Washington Returns to Japan to Conclude 2011 Patrol |last=Avery |first=Tatiana |publisher=United States Navy |date=22 November 2011 |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029173111/https://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/000713 |archive-date=29 October 2017}}</ref> During deployment, the aircraft carrier participated in joint training exercises with other service branches and regional partners, visited three Asia-Pacific nations (South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia) to practice interoperability, and conducted dual-carrier operations with {{USS|John C. Stennis|CVN-74|2}}.

[[File:KD Lekiu(FFG30) and KD Jebat(FFG29) with USS George Washington (CVN 73).jpeg|thumb|''Nimitz''-class aircraft carrier ''George Washington'' is underway with the Royal Malaysian Navy {{sclass|Lekiu|frigate|1}}s KD ''Jebat'' and KD ''Lekiu'' (foreground) during a transit of the Andaman Sea]]
[[File:US Navy 091117-N-6233H-234 The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181) transit the Pacific Ocean.jpg|thumb|USS ''George Washington'' and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer {{ship|JS|Hyūga||2}}]]

On 8 February 2013, the [[U.S. Department of Defense]] announced that the scheduled mid-life complex overhaul for the carrier {{USS|Abraham Lincoln|CVN-72|2}} would be postponed pending the resolution of the upcoming [[budget sequestration]]. The budget shortfall would affect ''Lincoln''{{'}}s refueling of her nuclear propulsion plant, the next scheduled mid-life complex overhaul involving ''George Washington'' forward-based in United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, and the de-fueling of the recently deactivated nuclear-powered {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|2}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lack of Funding Affects USS Lincoln Refueling and Complex Overhaul |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71992 |publisher=United States Navy |date=8 February 2013 |access-date=11 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213012723/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71992 |archive-date=13 December 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''George Washington'' and her support vessels visited Brisbane, Australia in July.

The ship moored on 4 October 2013 in Busan, South Korea, for a regularly-scheduled liberty port visit.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76984 |title=George Washington Bids Farewell to "The Land of Morning Calm" |last=Kennedy |first=Liam |publisher=United States Navy |date=7 October 2013 |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201145801/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76984 |archive-date=1 February 2014}}</ref> In November 2013, she visited Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong. On 11 November 2013 ''George Washington'' and her [[carrier strike group]] were deployed for a humanitarian mission in the Philippines, [[Operation Damayan]], after destructive [[Typhoon Haiyan]]. The carrier group arrived on 14 November, delivered relief supplies, and deployed aircraft for [[search and rescue]] missions.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/11/14/military-aid-philippines-typhoon-haiyan/3524371 |title=Filipinos without food, water for days see aid arrive |last=MacLeod |first= Calum |publisher=USA Today |date=14 November 2013 |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306085015/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/11/14/military-aid-philippines-typhoon-haiyan/3524371 |archive-date=6 March 2015}}</ref> On 6 December 2013, ''George Washington'' returned to her forward-deployed port of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78061 |title=George Washington Strike Group Completes 2013 Patrol |last=Guzman |first=Ricky |publisher=United States Navy |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201145754/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78061 |archive-date=1 February 2014}}</ref>

In January 2014, it was announced that ''George Washington'' would be replaced by {{USS|Ronald Reagan|CVN-76|2}} at Yokosuka when the ship's Refuelling and Complex Overhaul is due.<ref name="cnn">{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/15/world/asia/navy-japan-carriers/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 |title=Reagan replacing Washington in Japan |work=CNN |date=15 January 2014 |access-date=11 January 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402104301/http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/15/world/asia/navy-japan-carriers/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 |archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref>

As part of the Navy's FY 2015 budget, Pentagon officials hinted at the possibility of taking ''George Washington'' out of service due to budget reductions. The ship is due for her mid-life refueling and overhaul in 2016, which will take three years and cost over $3&nbsp;billion. The decision to replace ''George Washington'' with the newer ''Ronald Reagan'' in her area of operations near Japan means decommissioning the ship would not affect American carrier presence in the region. In 2011, the [[Congressional Budget Office]] had found that the elimination of a carrier and an air wing would save about $7&nbsp;billion from 2012 through 2021, the time at which ''George Washington'' would be expected to return to service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.militarytimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2014301270001 |title=Carrier cut could be back on table |last=Cavas |first=Christopher P. |publisher=Militarytimes.com |date=26 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112171230/http://www.militarytimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2014301270001 |archive-date=12 November 2014}}</ref> {{USS|Nimitz|CVN-68|2}} is the oldest ship in the class and would be expected to be decommissioned early instead of ''George Washington''. However, ''Nimitz'' has undergone a mid-life refuelling and is not due for decommission until the mid 2020s, whereas ''George Washington'' has yet to undergo this procedure, providing an opportunity to remove the ship from service before the planned expenditure.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://breakingdefense.com/2014/01/the-navys-carrier-crunch-even-without-budget-cuts-deployments-will-drop |title=The Navy's Carrier Crunch: Even Without Budget Cuts, Deployments Will Drop |publisher=Breakingdefense.com |last=Freeburg Jr. |first=Sydney J. |date=28 January 2014 |access-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103063242/http://breakingdefense.com/2014/01/the-navys-carrier-crunch-even-without-budget-cuts-deployments-will-drop/ |archive-date=3 January 2015}}</ref>

In February 2014, under pressure from Congress, the Obama administration was reported to have decided to request additional funds from Congress for the refueling.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.stripes.com/news/us/pentagon-drops-plan-to-retire-uss-george-washington-1.266169 |title=Pentagon drops plan to retire USS George Washington |date=7 February 2014 |work=Stars and Stripes |access-date=11 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118044801/http://www.stripes.com/news/us/pentagon-drops-plan-to-retire-uss-george-washington-1.266169 |archive-date=18 January 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, if sequestration is not repealed by 2016, the Pentagon may not be able to find funding to keep ''George Washington'' operating and it may have to be retired.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/02/26/carrier-fleet-still-vulnerable-to-sequestration.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |title=Carrier Fleet Still Vulnerable to Sequestration |last=Osborn |first=Kris |publisher=Military.com |date=26 February 2014 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112170833/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/02/26/carrier-fleet-still-vulnerable-to-sequestration.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |archive-date=12 November 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the draft of the Navy's unfunded priorities list for FY 2015, a $796 million line item was included for the Refueling and Complex Overhaul ([[RCOH]]) of ''George Washington''.  Before it was approved by the Pentagon and sent to Congress, it was vetted by the [[Office of the Secretary of Defense]] (OSD) and signed by [[Chief of Naval Operations]] [[Jonathan Greenert]], after which the line item was removed.<ref name=usni1/> In a 31 March 2014 letter to Congress, Admiral Greenert said that the decision to remove the RCOH line item from the unfunded priorities list was made to align with budget decisions over the next several years.  The list was for the FY 2015, so a decision to refuel or inactivate the carrier has to be made during FY 2016 budget planning with the fiscal outlook at that time and the possibility of sequestration funding levels.  The removal of the line item removes funding for advanced procurement of materials for the overhaul; another line item had funding to remove the fuel from the ship, but not to overhaul or refuel it.<ref name=usni1>{{cite web |url=http://news.usni.org/2014/04/03/navy-decision-pull-unfunded-carrier-refueling-request-cnos-choice |title=Navy: Decision to Pull Unfunded Carrier Refueling Request was CNO's Choice |last=LaGrone |first=Sam |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |date=3 April 2014 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109182639/http://news.usni.org/2014/04/03/navy-decision-pull-unfunded-carrier-refueling-request-cnos-choice |archive-date=9 January 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

By July 2014, the Navy had decided it would find the $7 billion in funds needed to keep ''George Washington'' in service. This was followed by three congressional marks to fund the Refueling and Complex Overhaul if the Navy would not provide funding in the FY 2015 budget. {{as of|2014|07}}, the Navy was still awaiting the fate of sequestration and the moving of funds to refueling the ship puts pressure on other programs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.usni.org/2014/07/10/stackley-navy-plans-refuel-carrier-george-washington |title=Stackley: Navy Plans to Refuel Carrier George Washington |last=LaGrone |first=Sam |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |date=10 July 2014 |access-date=11 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117071304/http://news.usni.org/2014/07/10/stackley-navy-plans-refuel-carrier-george-washington |archive-date=17 January 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Navy's FY 2016 budget funds nuclear refueling and overhaul of ''George Washington''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://breakingdefense.com/2015/02/navy-2016-budget-funds-v-22-cod-buy-carrier-refuel |title=Navy 2016 Budget Funds V-22 COD Buy, Carrier Refuel |last=Kreisher |first=Otto |publisher=Breakingdefense.com |date=2 February 2015 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510121357/http://breakingdefense.com/2015/02/navy-2016-budget-funds-v-22-cod-buy-carrier-refuel |archive-date=10 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

''George Washington'' departed Japan in May 2015 to participate in Exercise Talisman Saber 2015 with Australia and New Zealand. She arrived at [[Naval Air Station North Island]] on 10 August. In San Diego, ''George Washington'' conducted a 10-day turn over period with ''Ronald Reagan'' before leaving the Southern California operating area for [[Naval Station Norfolk]], where the ship is expected to begin mid-life RCOH at Newport News Shipbuilding, Huntington Ingalls Industries in fall 2016.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=90522 |title=George Washington to Arrive in San Diego, Three Carrier Swap Continues |publisher=United States Navy |id=NNS150807-10 |date=7 August 2015 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808140430/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=90522 |archive-date=8 August 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

''George Washington'' deployed in October 2016 to [[Haiti]] to provide support after [[Hurricane Matthew]], along with {{USNS|Comfort|T-AH-20|6}} and {{USS|Mesa Verde|LPD-19|6}}.<ref name="20161004-wp">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/10/04/how-the-u-s-military-is-responding-to-hurricane-matthew |title=How the U.S. military is responding to Hurricane Matthew |last=Lamothe |first=Dan |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=4 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005192326/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/10/04/how-the-u-s-military-is-responding-to-hurricane-matthew |archive-date=5 October 2016}}</ref>

=== 2017–2023 overhaul ===

On 4 August 2017, ''George Washington'' entered the Dry Dock #11 at the HII Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia, for a four-year [[Refueling and Complex Overhaul]] (RCOH). The contract for the RCOH was worth $2.8 billion and work was expected to be completed by August 2021. However, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], work was planned to finish in early 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-07|title=VIDEO: Carrier USS John C. Stennis Arrives at Newport News for Mid-Life Overhaul, Refueling|url=https://news.usni.org/2021/05/07/video-carrier-uss-john-c-stennis-arrives-at-newport-news-for-mid-life-overhaul-refueling|access-date=2021-11-29|website=USNI News|language=en-US}}</ref> This target date was confirmed in August 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Michael |last=Fabey |date=11 August 2022 |title=Carrier Washington redelivery confirmed for 2023 |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/carrier-washington-redelivery-confirmed-for-2023 |website=Janes |language=en}}</ref> Sea trials and re-delivery to the Navy were completed in May 2023.<ref name="SandS">{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Alex |title=USS George Washington 'redelivered' to Navy after delayed, 6-year overhaul |url=https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2023-05-26/george-washington-aircraft-carrier-navy-10241366.html |publisher=Stars and Stripes |access-date=27 May 2023 |date=26 May 2023}}</ref>

In October 2024, the Navy reported that welders at the Newport News Shipyard purposely circumvented proper procedures, resulting in substandard welds on the ship. The Navy said the faulty welds did not impact the safety of the vessel.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shane III |first1=Leo |last2=Ziezulewicz |first2=Geoff |title=Navy identifies three vessels impacted by faulty shipyard weld work |url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2024/10/04/navy-identifies-three-vessels-impacted-by-faulty-shipyard-weld-work/ |access-date=13 October 2024 |publisher=Army Times}}</ref>

====2021–2022 suicides====
On 11 April 2022, Captain Brent Gaut informed sailors on the ''George Washington'' over intercom that two sailors had died on 9 and 10 April, and that those deaths were the eighth and ninth suicides the ship had experienced in nine months.  Shortly thereafter, a tenth suicide occurred on 15 April, described by Gaut to the crew as a member of the ship's security team, who had a self-inflicted wound.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Toropin |first1=Konstantin |title=10 Deaths in 10 Months: String of Suicides on a Single Aircraft Carrier |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/04/20/10-deaths-10-months-string-of-suicides-single-aircraft-carrier.html |website=Military.com |date=29 April 2022 |publisher=Monster |access-date=1 May 2022}}</ref> Currently, of these reported suicides, the Navy has acknowledged seven deaths, with only five noted as suicides. Initially, the Navy's response from [[Russell L. Smith]], the [[Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy]], was that things could be worse, "at least you're not in a foxhole", and that the Navy was effectively unable to remedy the situation.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ziezulewicz |first1=Geoff |title=Top sailor to USS George Washington crew: at least you're not in a foxhole |url=https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-navy/2022/04/26/top-sailor-to-uss-george-washington-crew-at-least-youre-not-in-a-foxhole/ |website=Military Times |date=26 April 2022 |access-date=1 May 2022}}</ref> However, the issue gained wider media attention during the next two weeks, and by 29 April 2022, Captain Gaut announced that the ship will move 260 sailors "to an offsite barracks-type living arrangement on Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth", specifically, a Navy Gateway Inn and Suites, starting the following Monday, and the number will expand at about 50 additional beds per week.  According to the commanding officer, the ship currently has 422 sailors living on board. The move has been confirmed by the Navy and will continue "until all Sailors who wish to move off-ship have done so."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Toropin |first1=Konstantin |title=Hundreds of Sailors Being Moved Off Carrier After Surge of Suicides, Captain Tells Crew |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/04/29/hundreds-of-sailors-being-moved-off-carrier-after-surge-of-suicides-captain-tells-crew.html |website=Military.com |date=29 April 2022 |access-date=1 May 2022}}</ref> Interviews with the crew and the crew's family have described the issue as "living at a construction site" as the ''George Washington'' has been docked at the Newport News Shipyard in Virginia since 2017, and many sailors trained for shipboard duties are relegated to maintenance or cleaning, while suffering lack of sleep. Several have claimed to sleep in their cars in preference to the ship.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chan |first1=Melissa |title=Navy sailors detail difficult working conditions after string of suicides |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/uss-george-washington-sailors-detail-difficult-working-conditions-stri-rcna25882 |website=NBC News |date=28 April 2022 |publisher=NBC |access-date=1 May 2022}}</ref>

The Navy has opened an investigation into the command climate and culture on board the ''George Washington'' in response to the suicides.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Liebermann |first1=Oren |last2=Starr |first2=Barbara |title=Navy opens investigation after 4 deaths by suicide among aircraft carrier crew |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/21/politics/uss-george-washington-investigation/index.html |website=CNN News |date=21 April 2022 |publisher=CNN |access-date=1 May 2022}}</ref>

=== Planned 2025 deployment ===
It was announced on 3 March 2023 that following the completion of her overhaul, ''George Washington'' is expected to be forward-deployed to Japan. She will be replacing {{USS|Ronald Reagan}}, which by that point will have been forward-deployed there for ten years. In 2019, federal law was enacted that limited the forward-deployment of naval vessels to ten years.<ref> {{cite web|url= https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2023-03-03/george-washington-carrier-yokosuka-japan-9330654.html|title=USS George Washington destined for Japan to replace USS Ronald Reagan, report says|website=stripes.com|date=3 March 2023|access-date=5 March 2023}}</ref> She departed NS Norfolk on April 25th, 2024 and participated in
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Southern Seas 2024 deployment en route to NAS North Island. There, the crews of ''George Washington'' and ''Ronald Reagan'' swapped ships. GW proceeded to Japan from there.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*{{official website|http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/cvn73/pages/default.aspx}}
*Story Archive&nbsp;– U.S. Navy&nbsp;– [https://web.archive.org/web/20100610050652/http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=48 USS ''George Washington'' (CVN-73)]
*USS ''George Washington'' (CVN-73) command histories&nbsp;– [[Naval History & Heritage Command]]

{{Nimitz class aircraft carrier}}
{{George Washington}}
{{Nuclear surface ships}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:George Washington (Cvn-73)}}
[[Category:Nimitz-class aircraft carriers]]
[[Category:1990 ships]]
[[Category:Nuclear-powered ships of the United States Navy]]
[[Category:Aircraft carriers of the United States]]
[[Category:Ships built in Newport News, Virginia]]