USS George Washington departs Norfolk, heads to Japan

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — USS George Washington (CVN 73) departed from Naval Station Norfolk Thursday morning.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations as part of Southern Seas 2024, where it will relieve USS Ronald Reagan as the forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF) aircraft carrier.

This will be the second time USS George Washington has served as the FDNF aircraft carrier. In 2008, 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:

The carrier completed a midlife refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding in May 2023.

A Navy spokesperson said nine sailors died by suicide during the six years that the carrier was docked at Newport News Shipbuilding.

According to the Navy, increased mental health measures for sailors have been implemented.

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