United States
Australia
United Kingdom
Europe
New Zealand
Canada
Apra Harbor, Guam — The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, arrived in Guam on June 16 for a scheduled port visit alongside embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Shoup (DDG 86) and USS Benfold (DDG 65), and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62).
Guam, part of the United States homeland, serves as a strategic hub for logistics and readiness in the western Pacific, supporting the security, freedom, and prosperity of the U.S. and regional allies and partners.
“Guam remains a critical nexus for the Navy’s carrier strike groups,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer of George Washington. “These Sailors have been working very hard, and I’m excited they have the opportunity to recharge here in Guam before we return to sea, ready to support our mission here in the Indo-Pacific.”
The George Washington-led strike group departed Yokosuka, Japan, on May 23 for a scheduled underway. “Carrier Strike Group 5 left Japan ready for any contingency, integrated with our JMSDF (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force) partner and completely prepared to answer any call from our Nation,” said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Eric Anduze, commander of CSG-5 and Task Force 70. “Guam plays a central role in the Indo-Pacific, and we are proud to continue operating from this extension of our homeland.”
The strike group is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. George Washington is the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier in the region, underscoring the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific while working alongside allies and partners across the fleet’s expansive theater.
