The Atlantic Ocean, Sep. 12, 2001 — An E-2C Hawkeye attached to Carrier Airborne Early Squadron One Two Five (VAW-125) launches from the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN-73). The Norfolk, Va.-based aircraft carrier was patrolling the coastline off New York City, providing air defenses for the city while waiting for additional tasking from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class James Virdrine (# 010912-N-7340V-001).

The Atlantic Ocean, Sep. 15, 2001 — An Aviation Boatswain's Mate directs an F/A-18 Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron Three Four (VFA-34) into launching position on the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN-73). The carrier was providing air defense to New York City while awaiting tasking from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) in the aftermath of the World Trade Center and Pentagon terrorist attacks. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Corey Lewis (# 010915-N-2147L-002).

The Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 4, 2001 — USS George Washington (CVN-73) makes a speed run in the Atlantic Ocean while conducting carrier qualifications. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Heather Hess (# 011104-N-6747H-002).

Operation Enduring Freedom, Aug. 25, 2002 — USS George Washington transits the Arabian Sea during a break in flight operations. The ship and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Seventeen (CVW-17) were on a six-month deployment conducting combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Capt. Dana Potts. [020825-N-1955P-001].

The Atlantic Ocean, Sep. 11, 2003 — USS George Washington (CVN-73) conducts a replenishment at sea with USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196) in the Atlantic Ocean. The Norfolk, Va.-based nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Joan Kretschmer (# 030911-N-6278K-002).

Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 30, 2003 — USS George Washington (CVN-73) Carrier Strike Group formation sails in the Atlantic Ocean, while conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for their upcoming deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Summer M. Anderson. [031130-N-3653A-002].

Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 30, 2003 — USS George Washington (CVN-73) sails off the coast of Florida. The Norfolk, Va.-based nuclear powered aircraft carrier was conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Joan Kretschmer. [031130-N-6278K-001].

Atlantic Ocean, Dec. 9, 2003 — The Norfolk, Va. based nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) underway while conducting Composite Training Unit Exercises (COMPTUEX) in preparation for an upcoming six-month deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Brien Aho. [031209-N-5319A-002].

Atlantic Ocean, Dec. 10, 2003 — An F-14B Tomcat, from Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7), launches off the flight deck aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73) while the Military Sealift Command (MSC) ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) steams alongside during a replenishment at sea. The Norfolk, Va.-based nuclear powered aircraft carrier was conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for a six-month deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Summer M. Anderson. [031210-N-3653A-003].

Jan. 20, 2004 — USS George Washington (CVN-73) sails past the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel into the Atlantic Ocean to start her sixth overseas deployment. The Nimitz-class nuclear powered aircraft carrier was scheduled to relieve USS Enterprise (CVN-65). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Joan Kretschmer. [040120-N-6278K-001].

Mediterranean Sea, Feb. 6, 2004 — USS George Washington (CVN-73) enters Souda Bay, Crete, Greece for a port call. The Norfolk, Va.-based nuclear powered aircraft carrier was on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Summer M. Anderson. [040206-N-3653A-001].

Persian Gulf, Mar. 24, 2004 — An F-14B Tomcat assigned to the "Red Rippers" of Fighter Squadron One One (VF-11) prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73). The Norfolk, Va.-based nuclear powered aircraft carrier was on a scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Joan Kretschmer. [040324-N-6278K-139].

Persian Gulf, Apr. 22, 2004 — An F-14B Tomcat launches off one of two steam-powered catapults on the waist aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73). The Norfolk, Va. based aircraft carrier and embarked Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) were on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Summer M. Anderson (040422-N-3653A-0509.

Persian Gulf, June 3, 2004 — The guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG-72), top, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG-84), bottom, steam alongside USS George Washington (CVN-73) while participating in a strike group photo, during operations in the Persian Gulf. The Norfolk, Va.-based ships were on a scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Brien Aho (040603-N-5319A-009).

Persian Gulf, June 3, 2004 — Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) embarked aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73) are parked in formation on the flight deck during a strike group photo while operating in the Persian Gulf. The Norfolk, Va. based aircraft carrier was on a scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Brien Aho (040603-N-5319A-012).

Persian Gulf, June 26, 2004 — An F-14B Tomcat assigned to Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) launches from the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Summer Anderson. [040626-N-3653A-010].

Naval Station Norfolk, Va., August 27, 2004 — A UH-3H Sea King helicopter assigned to the Search and Rescue (SAR) unit at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., flies over the aircraft carriers moored at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.; left to right, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), USS George Washington (CVN-73), and USS Enterprise (CVN-65). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Anthony M. Koch (# 040827-N-4459K-002).

The Atlantic Ocean, Sep. 13, 2004 — USS George Washington (CVN-73) and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) conduct an ammunition transfer between ships. George Washington was participating in carrier qualifications off the East Coast of the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Ryan T. O'Connor (# 040913-N-4308O-012).

Newport News, Va., Jan. 28, 2005 — USS George Washington (CVN-73) arrived at the Newport News shipyard on Jan. 28 for a 10.5-month maintenance availability, which would include dry-docking for approximately seven months. Work would include repair and refurbishment of the hull, sea chests, shafting, propellers and rudders; blasting and coating of numerous tanks; modernization of spaces to support the F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft equipment and weapons stowage systems; enhancements to crew living areas; scheduled maintenance on propulsion plant systems and repair and inspections on a variety of ship systems.

Newport News, Va., Sep. 1, 2005 — Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) completed the seven-month dry dock portion of work for USS George Washington (CVN-73) maintenance availability. The carrier was moved by tugboats to a shipyard pier on Aug. 31, where she would remain for approximately three months undergoing final work completion and testing. George Washington arrived at Northrop Grumman's Newport News shipyard on Jan. 28 for the 10.5-month maintenance availability.

Newport News, VA, Dec. 15, 2005 — USS George Washington (CVN-73) leaves Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard to conduct sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean. Carrier sea trials would help determine the ship's material readiness and ability to rejoin the fleet as a fully operational unit. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Michael D. Blackwell (# 051215-N-1045B-134).

Hampton Roads, VA, Dec. 17, 2005 — After completing sea trials, USS George Washington (CVN-73) returns to her homeport in Norfolk, VA. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier had just completed a 10.5-month Docked Planned Incremental Availability at the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Michael D. Blackwell (# 051217-N-1045B-025).

Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 6, 2006 — Ammunition is transferred from the flight deck to the ship's hangar bay during ammunition on load operations aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73). The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was conducting carrier qualifications and shipboard training. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Rex Nelson (# 060206-N-6433N-045).

Atlantic Ocean, Apr. 10, 2006 — An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the "Bluetails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Two One (VAW-121) launches from the flight deck aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73). The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and her Strike Group were participating in Partnership of the Americas, a maritime training and readiness deployment of the U.S. Naval Forces with Caribbean and Latin American countries in support of U.S. Southern Command's (SOUTHCOM) objectives for enhanced maritime security. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Christopher Stephens (# 060410-N-9621S-005).

Caribbean Sea, May 11, 2006 — Armada de la República de Colombia (ARC) missile frigates Caldas (FM-52) and Antioquia (FM-53); guided missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG-61); guided missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG-36); and the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) conduct a Group Sail Exercise. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group was participating in Partnership of the Americas, a maritime training and readiness deployment of the U.S. Naval forces with Caribbean and Latin American countries in support of U.S. Southern Command's (SOUTHCOM) objectives for enhanced maritime security. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Michael D. Blackwell II (# 060511-N-1045B-025).

Portsmouth, VA, Sep. 28, 2006 — USS George Washington (CVN-73) transits from a wet slip into drydock at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The Norfolk-based, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier would undergo a Docked Planned Incremental Availability at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jennifer Apsey (# 060928-N-8403A-044).

Portsmouth, VA, Nov. 10, 2006 — A Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) crane removes the main mast from the island structure of USS George Washington (CVN-73). The Norfolk-based Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was undergoing a $300 million shipyard availability at NNSY. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jennifer Apsey (# 061110-N-8403A-015).

Portsmouth, VA, Apr. 25, 2007 — As line handlers keep USS George Washington (CVN-73) centered in the dry dock, tugboats assist the carrier move from dry dock to wet slip. The Norfolk-based Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was undergoing Planned Incremental Availability and Docking (PIA+D). The availability would prepare George Washington to relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as the fleet's forward deployed carrier in 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter D. Blair (# 070425-N-5188B-012).

Norfolk, VA, Aug. 30, 2007 — USS George Washington (CVN-73) moves into Naval Station Norfolk after completing sea trials. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier returned to Naval Station Norfolk after four days of sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean and completing an 11-month, $300 million planned incremental availability. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jon Dasbach (# 070830-N-6854D-008).

Norfolk, Va., October 14, 2007 — Right to left: USS George Washington (CVN-73), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).

Atlantic Ocean, March 3, 2008 — A NATO E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft flies over USS George Washington (CVN-73). The aircraft carrier was participating in Tailored Ships Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP) before being forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. The AWACS is used to provide airborne battle management, surveillance, and weapons control. This was the first time that an AWACS had done a low-approach fly-by over a U.S. naval vessel. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 2nd Class Specialist Clifford L. H. Davis (# 080303-N-9565D-044).

USS George Washington (CVN-73) departed Naval Station Norfolk for the last time 7 April 2008, bound for her new homeport of Yokosuka, Japan, where she would replace USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as the only forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

NS027381: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Clifford L.H. Davis (# 080407-N-9565D-020).

NS027381a: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Clifford L.H. Davis (# 080407-N-9565D-068).

NS027381b: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R. Wax (# 080407-N-2570W-307).