The U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) welcomed more than 1,700 “honorary Sailors” for a friends and family cruise, Aug. 24.
The day-long cruise showcased George Washington’s warfighting capabilities and their Sailors’ day-to-day lives underway.
“This is comparable to bring your kids to work day,” said Momoyo Harris, George Washington’s Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) afloat recreation specialist.
Re-ball, foam jousting, balloon popping, a bounce house and face painting were offered in the hangar bays of George Washington.
“Our kids loved the activities,” said Lisa Clauze, spouse of a George Washington Sailor. “We all got fake tattoos and our faces painted; we also took pictures with the samurai.”
Guests also had the opportunity to experience a sea and air power demonstration from its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15.
“The air and sea power demonstration was amazing and very impressive,” said Chih Oueyama, a guest visiting George Washington for the first time. “This is something we never get to see; we only see it in movies or on television. This was my favorite part of the day.”
Guests received a first-hand look at firefighting demonstrations, displays of ordnance and a tour of the ship’s forecastle during the cruise.
“This cruise helped the families’ support grow,” said Clauze. “At the end of the day, the friends and families will have a better understanding of what their loved ones do on a daily basis. This was a great experience.”
George Washington and CVW 5 provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
[mappress] Press Release, August 26, 2013