George Washington Strike Group Arrives in Guam

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Beverly J. Lesonik, USS George Washington Public Affairs

APRA HARBOR, Guam (NNS) -- The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) arrived in Apra Harbor, Guam, for a goodwill port visit Oct. 28.

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) and Arleigh-burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) are all part of GWCSG.

This is GWCSG's second visit to Guam during its 2014 patrol.

"Our second time here is another opportunity for Sailors to take advantage of what Guam has to offer," said Capt. Greg Fenton, George Washington's commanding officer. "During our visit, Sailors have several opportunities to have great experiences with COMREL [community relations] projects and MWR [Morale, Welfare and Recreation] events."

According to Lt. Cmdr. Michael Tagaloa, one of George Washington's chaplains, COMREL projects are an important part of building and strengthening relationships with its allies and partners.

"Each of our three projects aims to highlight the talents of our Sailors," said Tagaloa. "We are able to have a valuable exchange of knowledge and culture through this interaction with the host country."

In addition to community and cultural exchanges, Guam offers a variety of native cuisine, tropical water activities and jungle landscape hikes. GWCSG Sailors get all of this, and since Guam is a U.S. territory, they also get a chance to experience a little bit of home.

"For the second time in Guam I will be participating in a COMREL where I will be able to influence the next generation of Carbudillo Elementary School children against doing drugs," said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class Sabian Tise, from Las Cruces, New Mexico. "At some point after that, I will go to the beach and relax near the waves. I feel like Guam is going to be a great place to rest, get a tan and recompose myself."

GWCSG is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.