Crew members celebrated Independence Day and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington's (CVN 73) birthday with a fun run, picnic, music, sports, dancing and a cake-cutting in the ship's hangar bay, July 4.

Along with the 239th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, July 4 marked the 23rd birthday since George Washington's commissioning in 1992.

"I hope George Washington's crew enjoyed the celebration of the history of this warship and the great nation it serves," said Capt. Timothy Kuehhas, George Washington's commanding officer. "This 23rd birthday is especially significant because it's the last birthday we will celebrate at sea before Ronald Reagan replaces us as the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier."

Music filled the hangar bay as the day kicked off with a 3K Fun-Run sponsored by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department.
George Washington's S-2 division catered food in the hangar bay for a picnic while the chief petty officer's mess served the entire crew.

"Today we were able to celebrate the 4th of July serving the 5,000-plus Sailors on board the ship," said Chief Electrician's Mate Charles Clarke Jr. "The entire Chief's Mess spent the day being of service to the khakis as well as the junior enlisted Sailors at the picnic. We want to thank everyone who was a part of making this happen and everyone who came out to support the event."

Following the ceremony, George Washington Sailors were able to engage in a Ping-Pong tournament, three-point basketball shootout, and end their night with a movie night in the ship's hangar bay. Enlisted and commissioned Sailors were able to come together to celebrate these two moments in history.

"I like the fact that our command makes a big deal out of holidays, even while we're deployed," said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Gilbert Smith. "Today gave us the opportunity to forget about self and celebrate history and history in the making. Today was filled with fun and laughter and most importantly, togetherness. I'm glad to have been on board during the celebration of Independence Day and the ship's last birthday at sea."

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. George Washington will conduct a hull-swap with Ronald Reagan later this year after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan.

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