US Navy Vessels Begin Hull Swap

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrived in San Diego to conduct a 10-day hull swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) as part of a force structure change, Aug. 10.

Ronald Reagan (RR) will relieve George Washington (GW) as the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan, and GW will return to Newport News, Virginia, for a mid-life refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) following a deployment around South America.

RR was one of the first responders during Operation Tomodachi in 2011 after the earthquake and tsunami, establishing a strong tie between the ship and the community of Japan. In addition, RR recently completed a maintenance period where it had many of its systems upgraded.

Following the turnover and personnel swap between RR and GW, RR will conduct a flight deck certification and tailor the ship’s training availability before departing the Southern California operating area to proceed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

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Image: US Navy