George Washington carrier strike group reaches Guam

APRA HARBOR, Guam — The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, pulled into Guam for a scheduled port visit June 16 alongside 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 outpost and command center for logistics and readiness in the western Pacific, supporting security, freedom, and prosperity for 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 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 George Washington Carrier Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premiere forward-deployed aircraft carrier and a longstanding symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, while operating alongside allies and partners across the Navy’s largest numbered fleet.