The USS George Washington (CVN-73) has completed its mid-life overhaul and acceptance trials, returning to Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
The carrier underwent a nearly six-year-long refueling and complicated overhaul (RCOH) to extend its service life by 25 years.
Delays in the overhaul were caused by factors such as budget uncertainties, vessel conditions, cannibalization of parts, and workforce delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Captain Brent Gaut, commanding officer of the USS George Washington, commended the warfighters, sailors, shipyard workers, and contractors for their grit and tenacity.
The redelivery of the carrier resulted from teamwork among shipbuilders, the CVN-73 crew, governmental partners, and suppliers.
Quality-of-life issues for the carrier's crew members during the overhaul were extensively examined, revealing some of the toughest living conditions in the Department of Defense.
A stringent investigation was conducted following the deaths by suicide of nine sailors assigned to the carrier between 2017 and 2022.
USS George Washington prepares to replace USS Ronald Reagan in Japan, while USS John C. Stennis undergoes RCOH in Newport News.