One of America’s Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, the USS George Washington, is currently sailing in Philippine waters as part of its Western Pacific patrol mission to maintain regional stability.

The DAILY TRIBUNE, along with select members of the media, was granted an exclusive tour of the George Washington while it sailed in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Wednesday, 2 July.

Designed to support the operations of a wide range of aircraft, the massive warship is capable of launching sustained air operations targeting threats in the air, sea and land. The carrier plays a crucial role in US and allied military operations, enabling extended power projection across the Indo-Pacific region.

During the tour, the media witnessed firsthand the ship’s advanced combat and flight capabilities. The massive vessel also showcased its role in supporting US and coalition forces in regional security and stability efforts.

The aircraft carrier has more than 200 Filipino-American sailors working in different sections on board.

Free and open Indo-Pacific region

Captain Timothy Waits, the George Washington’s commanding officer, said part of the carrier’s mission is to demonstrate the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

“We share the values of an open and free Indo-Pacific region. That’s why we’re out here. We know the importance of this theater or this region. It’s a vast region with many nations,” Waits told the reporters.

“The open and free sea lanes, from a commercial aspect alone, are important to the region. It’s important to us. And in that way, we share those values so that our being out here and the patrols we go on show that commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

Waits recalled that the George Washington has played a significant role in reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the United States and the Philippines through a series of humanitarian, military, and community-based engagements.

He said that in 2013, the aircraft carrier and its strike group provided critical humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the aftermath of typhoon “Haiyan” (“Yolanda”), one of the strongest ever to hit the Philippines.

The US Navy’s rapid response helped deliver aid and restore vital services to the devastated communities.

In its previous port call on Manila on 23 October 2014, the George Washington participated in numerous joint naval exercises with the Philippine Navy, focusing on ship maneuvering, communications and gunnery operations.

The drills were designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen defense cooperation between the two allies.

Beyond military collaboration, the carrier has also taken part in community relations projects and goodwill visits across the Philippines, further solidifying diplomatic and people-to-people ties between the nations.

Commissioned on 4 July 1992, the USS George Washington is the fourth US Navy ship to bear the name. It remains a key asset of America’s forward-deployed presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

It operates under the US 7th Fleet and is homeported in a naval base in Yokosuka, Japan.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier currently serves as the flagship of the US carrier strike group deployed to the Western Pacific.