Renovated Mess Decks Show GW Sailors' Hard Work

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) has reopened the ship's wardroom three, chiefs' mess and aft mess decks after extensive renovations, June 3.

Wardroom three was completely retiled and received new wallpaper, and the aft mess decks were repainted and the woodwork was replaced.

"Our junior Sailors did most of these upgrades," said Master Chief Operations Specialist Mike Ripberger. "Their hard work and dedication are clearly demonstrated through all the renovations."

Each mess deck reopening was celebrated with a ribbon and cake-cutting ceremony followed by a special lunch. On the aft mess decks, the "Chow Boss" station served a shrimp and steak lunch to Sailors at their tables.

"Every Sailor that I've spoken to approves of the changes," said Lt. Cmdr. Marcus Jones, services officer. "Everyone likes to feel special, and that's the best part about this job and the improvements. It makes every Sailor from the bottom to the top understand that they're special."

A restaurant-like station has been set up on the aft mess decks as well as a coffee kiosk that will remain operational underway.

"Morale has already been boosted," said Chief Warrant Officer Three Brian W. Ware, food service officer. "Everybody walks by and sees all the hard work of our culinary specialists, and they think somebody important is coming aboard but in actuality, they're important because it's always for the crew."

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/ .