Carrier George Washington Returns
Dec 20, 2002
NORFOLK - The aircraft carrier George Washington returned to the Norfolk Naval Station this morning.
It pulled into port just before 9:30 a.m. to the cheers of friends and family members who endured rainy weather for the welcome.
The George Washington sailed from Norfolk in June and divided its time among the Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf. It was relieved last week by the carrier Harry S. Truman, which sailed out of Norfolk with its battle group two weeks ago.
Throughout the holidays the George Washington will be designated as the carrier to be deployed immediately if another is needed. Every person in the battle group is required to stay close to a phone and be ready to sail back out within 96 hours.