One of America's Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, USS George Washington (CVN-73), 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 exclusive access to tour the USS George Washington while sailing somewhere in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Wednesday, 2 June.

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

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

The aircraft carrier also featured more than 200 Filipino-American sailors working in different fields on board.

Free and Open Indo-Pacific Region

Captain Timothy Waits, USS 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, many nations. Most of them will coastline," Waits told reporters aboard the aircraft carrier during a media interview."The importance of the open and free sea lanes, just from a commercial aspect alone, is important to them. 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 to show that commitment to those shared values of the free and open Indo-Pacific region," he continued.

Waits likewise recalled that USS 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 shared 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 tropical cyclones ever recorded in the Philippines.

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

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

These drills are 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 U.S. Navy ship to bear the name. It remains a key asset in America’s forward-deployed presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

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

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is currently serving as the flagship of the U.S. carrier strike group deployed in the Western Pacific.