US Navy's Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) has reached a major aviation milestone.
On August 18, 2026, the aircraft carrier completed its 200,000th fixed-wing aircraft recovery while underway in the Indian Ocean. The vessel has spent more than three decades projecting American sea power.
Lt. Steven Frazier, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 147, received the honor of this historic feat by landing in an F-35C Lightning II after flying routine operations in the US 7th Fleet area of operation. He emphasized that it was a “team effort” from every airwing division leading up to each successful aircraft recovery.
Each aircraft recovery, or “trap”, consists of a fixed-wing aircraft safely landing on the ship by catching a thick, steel arresting gear cable with its tail hook. The carrier is capable of landing one aircraft on deck per minute, and typically lands 70 aircraft across several events throughout the day.
“Two hundred thousand traps is not just a number – it is a testament to the enduring strength of American naval aviation and the unmatching professionalism of the Sailors who make it possible,” said Rear Adm. Jeffrey L. Heames, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5.
“This milestone reminds the world that U.S. carriers remain ready to launch and recover aircraft anywhere, anytime, in defense of freedom and our allies.”
USS George Washington has recovered aircraft ranging from earlier F-14 Tomcats and F/A-18C/D Hornets to today’s Super Hornets, Growlers, Hawkeyes, and F-35C Lightning IIs. The vessel is the sixth Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and was commissioned on July 4, 1992. Named after the first president of the United States, the carrier is designed to conduct sustained carrier air warfare and power-projection operations.
As a Nimitz-class carrier, George Washington is built to operate a large embarked air wing and conduct missions ranging from maritime security and sustained air operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The navy describes aircraft carriers as the centerpiece of its naval forces and a key means of maintaining a forward presence and projecting power at sea.
The GWCSG includes George Washington, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW 5), guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62), and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 ship USS Shoup (DDG 86). The vessel operates in the US 7th Fleet area of operations.