USS George Washington Welcomes Guests of All Ages

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Danielle A. Brandt, USS George Washington Public Affairs

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Sailors from USS George Washington (CVN 73), welcomed aboard a variety of guests for public tours of the 100,000-ton nuclear aircraft carrier July 22 as part of the ship's port visit to Busan.

The tours helped continue the strong alliance between the U.S. Navy and the citizens of the Republic of Korea. Among the visitors were children ages 8-14 from families of the Port Authority, members of the American Embassy and students from a local university.

"It's a good learning experience," said Ship's Serviceman 3rd Class Michael Scott. "I've seen a lot of smiles."

For many of those touring the ship, the opportunity was a first, and one they will remember.

"It's very exciting getting to show someone their first Navy warship," said Lt. Jared Wolcott, one of the tour guides for the day. "It makes you remember how incredible our jobs really are."

The tour groups visited several spaces on the ship including the hangar bay, flight deck and navigation bridge where visitors got the chance to sit in the captain's chair.

"I thought the tour was absolutely spectacular," said Lila Nieves-Le whose father is retired from the U.S. Army. "I have a newfound respect for those who serve at sea".

While in the port of Busan, Sailors from USS George Washington will also host a reception for distinguished members of the community and volunteer their time to participate in various community service projects.

GW is the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier and operates from Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) in Yokosuka, Japan. It is currently on its summer patrol ensuring security and stability in the western Pacific.