MANILA, Philippines – The United States’ Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS George Washington (CVN-73), is currently anchored off Manila Bay, after sailing along Philippine waters, as part of its patrol mission to maintain regional peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
In an interview with selected media onboard the aircraft carrier, Rear Admiral Eric J. Anduze, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 5, emphasized the shared values and connections between the U.S. and the Philippines.
“I have seen the relationship between our countries get stronger and the personal connections between our people get closer. The Philippines is a trusted ally. We share democratic values and cultural connections between our nations,” Rear Admiral Anduze said.
“For some of our sailors this is their first time. For others it's the third, fourth, sixth, but most importantly for some it is coming home to see friends and family as some of our best and brightest in the US Navy come from the Philippines,” Anduze stated.
The ship will be docked somewhere in Manila Bay for a couple of days, so that servicemen onboard can experience another culture for those coming to the country for the first time, and for Filipino-Americans to visit family and friends.
“I think it's important to note that this is the first port visit for George Washington on this patrol and it's the first port visit for George Washington in total since we're turning to as the FDNF [Forward Deployed Naval Forces] carrier in this region,” Captain Timothy Waits, Commanding Officer, USS George Washington said.
There are approximately more that 200 Filipino-American sailors onboard the vessel, assigned in many different fields.
Filipino-American sailors onboard the USS George Washington (Photo courtesy of Karen A. Ow-Yong)
Partners and Allies for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
Meanwhile, Captain Waits stressed that patrolling the Indo-Pacific is part of their mission to ensure peace and stability in the 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 with coastline," Waits said in a media interview onboard the vessel.
He also mentioned how important the region is, not just on the commercial aspect alone, but in maintaining peace and security, ensuring sea lanes are free.
“Well I think, as the Admiral said, you know we share the values of open and free Indo-Pacific region, that's why we're out here. We know the importance of this theater or this region,” Waits said.
“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,” Waits added.
On Wednesday, DZRH, along with select members of the Philippine media, was given exclusive access to tour the USS George Washington while sailing along the West Philippine Sea.
Designed to support and operate a wide range of aircraft, the warship is capable of launching sustained air operations targeting threats in the air, at sea, and on land.
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.
According to Waits, the aircraft carrier also supported humanitarian efforts during disasters, particularly back in 2013 when it provided critical assistance and relief in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), one of the most devastating tropical cyclones recorded in the Philippines.
The last port-call of the USS George Washington in Manila was in 2014 when it participated in numerous joint naval exercises with the Philippine Navy.
Commissioned on 4 July 1992, it operates under the United States 7th Fleet and is home ported in Yokosuka, Japan.
