George Washington Arrives in Guam for Goodwill Port Visit

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro, USS George Washington Public Affairs

APRA HARBOR, Guam (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrived in Guam for a goodwill port visit, Oct. 2.

This marks George Washington's third visit to Guam since relieving the now decommissioned USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) in 2008.

"It's an honor return to Guam," said Capt. Greg Fenton, George Washington's commanding officer. "This port visit offers George Washington Sailors an opportunity for many cultural exchanges with our Guamanian friends and plenty of well-deserved liberty."

George Washington is currently conducting its 2014 patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations, and most recently completed the joint exercise Valiant Shield 2014 in the Guam operating area, as well as unit level training-sustainment (ULTRA-S) certification. ULTRA-S is an evaluation designed to evaluate a ship's readiness in different requisite warfare areas to capture the culmination of the forward-deployed naval forces carrier unit level training and ensure it perpetuates the highest possible levels of proficiency.

"I couldn't be more proud of the way our crew performed during ULTRA-S and Valiant Shield," said Fenton. "They showed enthusiasm and dedication toward completing our mission, and performed remarkably every step of the way."

More than 5,000 George Washington Sailors will have the opportunity to volunteer in various Guam communities by participating in community relations (COMREL) projects organized by George Washington's Command Religious Ministry Division (CRMD), including volunteer opportunities at five local high schools, a Special Olympics Guam bowling tournament and two animal shelters.

"These projects help the people of Guam understand the Navy's role in building and strengthening partnerships, not only with the island of Guam, but throughout the Pacific region," said Lt. j.g. Cole Yoos, a chaplain aboard George Washington. "These COMRELs offer an incredible opportunity to tangibly give back to the people of Guam who have always provided a beautiful and inviting welcome for our Sailors."

Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is offering multiple tours and excursions for Sailors to enjoy in Guam, including an island tour of Guam's cultural and historical sites; a kayak adventure along the Ugum River to visit an ancient Chamorro village; and a submarine expedition to give Sailors a view of Guam's aquatic life from 30 meters below the ocean surface.

"I have been looking forward to this port visit since I checked aboard the ship," said Ship's Serviceman Seaman Brandon Mason, from Mabank, Texas. "I'm really excited to go on the MWR kayak tour, hang out with my friends and enjoy some liberty. Guam seems like a really good place for outdoor activities and I couldn't be happier to be here."

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 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.

Search, Rescue Operation Underway for Missing Aircrew in Arabian Gulf

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces in the North Arabian Gulf are conducting a search and rescue operation for a missing aircrew member who went into the water at 2:10 p.m. (GMT), today, when the aircraft the member was aboard lost power on takeoff from USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Two air crewmen bailed out of the aircraft into the Arabian Gulf with one safely recovered and now in stable condition aboard Makin Island. The pilot of the aircraft, a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, was able to regain control and safely land aboard Makin Island.

U.S. Navy ships, aircraft and boats are taking part in the search and rescue effort.

The Navy and Marine Corps will investigate the cause of the incident.

USS Makin Island with embarked elements of the 11 Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility where it is supporting operations in Iraq and Syria.

CSG 12 Hosts British Ambassador Aboard TR

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John M. Drew, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Public Affairs

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 hosted the British Ambassador to the U.S. and four other high-ranking officials aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) (TR) for a day at sea, Sept. 30.

Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott was joined on the visit by British Consul General David Prodger, British Royal Navy Commodore Richard Allen, Capt. Kevin Seymour and Cmdr. Barrie O'Sullivan.

Rear Adm. Andrew Lewis, commander, CSG 12, escorted the guests from Naval Station Mayport, Florida, to TR via helicopter where they were greeted by Capt. Rhinhart Wilke, CSG 12 chief of staff, Capt. Daniel Grieco, TR's commanding officer, Capt. William Ewald, commander, Carrier Air Wing 1, Capt. Jeff Craig, TR's executive officer and William Smalts, TR's command master chief.

The visit focused on the utility and complexity of carrier operations and logistics that sustain those operations. Tour stops included the flight deck, bridge, joint aeronautical screening unit - a repair parts supply point - and aircraft maintenance facilities.

"What an incredibly complicated living beast an American carrier is," said Allen. "With all the aviation and all the logistics required just to get the airplanes to do their business and the ship to work is really a remarkable achievement."

The visit comes as the United Kingdom continues construction of aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. The two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers are the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy, according to the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense.

"This has been a very interesting reminder of just how much work we're going to have to do in the [United Kingdom] before we bring into active service the two new 65,000-ton aircraft carriers we are currently building up in Scotland," said Westmacott. "This is a fine example of the excellence of the United States Navy and is a wonderful example of how extraordinarily well this machine works. Lastly, it is a reminder of how closely our two navies work together, and will need to continue to work together, in the years to come."

Prior to the guests' departure, shipboard leadership and distinguished visitors exchanged gifts as a sign of respect, cooperation, and trust. Westmacott expressed his gratitude for TR's warm welcome and hospitality.

"Thank you very much for the extraordinary welcome I and my colleagues from the Royal Navy have received today," said Westmacott. "It was fascinating, we learned a lot. Thank you all for your service and for the very warm welcome the crew of Theodore Roosevelt always extends to British visitors, be they civilians like myself, or members of the Royal Navy who come onboard. I have nothing but highest regard for everybody who serves onboard this magnificent ship."

TR is underway conducting coordinated training with Theodore Roosevelt CSG 12 in preparation for future deployments.