George Washington CVN 73 Aircraft Carrier Overview
The USS George Washington (CVN-73) is a United States Navy aircraft carrier that has been in service since 1992. Named after the first President of the United States, George Washington, the ship is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and is one of the most advanced warships in the world. In this article, we will provide an overview of the USS George Washington’s history, design, capabilities, and operations.
History
The USS George Washington was laid down on August 25, 1986, at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company in Virginia. The ship was launched on July 21, 1990, and was commissioned on July 4, 1992. Since its commissioning, the USS George Washington has participated in numerous military operations and exercises, including the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Design and Capabilities
The USS George Washington is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, which is a class of nuclear-powered supercarriers designed by the United States Navy. The ship is powered by two A4W nuclear reactors, which provide a top speed of over 30 knots. The USS George Washington has a length of 1,092 feet (333 meters) and a beam of 257 feet (78 meters).
The ship has a crew of over 5,000 personnel, including officers, enlisted personnel, and civilians. The USS George Washington has a flight deck that is 257 feet (78 meters) wide and 1,092 feet (333 meters) long, which allows it to carry a variety of aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets, F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters, and SH-60 Seahawk helicopters.
Aircraft and Armament
The USS George Washington is equipped with a variety of aircraft, including:
- F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets
- F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters
- SH-60 Seahawk helicopters
- E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft
- C-2A Greyhound cargo planes
The ship is also equipped with a variety of armaments, including:
- 3 x Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS)
- 2 x Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launchers
- 2 x Sea Sparrow missile launchers
- 4 x.50-caliber machine guns
Operations
The USS George Washington has participated in numerous military operations and exercises since its commissioning in 1992. Some of the notable operations include:
- Gulf War (1991)
- Operation Enduring Freedom (2001)
- Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003)
- Humanitarian assistance/disaster response operations in Japan (2011)
Shipboard Systems
The USS George Washington is equipped with a variety of advanced shipboard systems, including:
- AEGIS Combat System: a state-of-the-art air defense system that provides advanced threat detection and tracking capabilities.
- SPS-67 Surface Search Radar: a surface search radar system that provides detection and tracking of surface targets.
- SPS-49(V)5 Air Search Radar: an air search radar system that provides detection and tracking of airborne targets.
| Ship's Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 1,092 feet (333 meters) |
| Beam | 257 feet (78 meters) |
| Draft | 35 feet (10.6 meters) |
| Displacement | 103,900 tons (full load) |
| Speed | Over 30 knots (56 km/h) |
| Crew | Over 5,000 personnel |
🚨 Note: The USS George Washington is a highly advanced warship with a variety of capabilities, including air defense, surface warfare, and humanitarian assistance. Its ability to operate in a variety of environments makes it an essential asset for the United States Navy.
In conclusion, the USS George Washington is a powerful and versatile warship that has played a significant role in numerous military operations and exercises since its commissioning in 1992. Its advanced shipboard systems, including the AEGIS Combat System and SPS-67 Surface Search Radar, make it an essential asset for the United States Navy.
What is the USS George Washington’s primary mission?
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The USS George Washington’s primary mission is to provide airpower and support to naval and joint forces in a variety of environments.
What type of aircraft does the USS George Washington carry?
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The USS George Washington carries a variety of aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets, F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters, and SH-60 Seahawk helicopters.
What is the USS George Washington’s top speed?
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The USS George Washington’s top speed is over 30 knots (56 km/h).
Related Terms:
- USS Abraham Lincoln
- USS John C Stennis
- USS Theodore Roosevelt
- USS Carl Vinson
- USS George Washington
- USS George H W Bush
