The Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS George Washington and USS Ronald Reagan are in the process of completing a hull swap on Naval Air Station North Island.
The Reagan will be sent to Bremerton, Washington, and the Washington will return to Yokosuka, Japan, as the only forward-deployed carrier, effective Aug. 1.
The swap between the two carriers was planned in coordination with Japan’s government, and as part of the 50-year lifespan of the Nimitz-class carriers.
The three locally based carriers, USS Carl Vinson, USS Abraham Lincoln, and USS Theodore Rosevelt, are on deployment in the Pacific, paving way for dock space for the hull swap.
“USS Ronald Reagan has served exceptionally as America’s forward deployed aircraft carrier for nearly a decade, projecting credible combat power while sailing and flying where international law allows and doing so with allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific,” said Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, commander of Task Force 70 and Carrier Strike Group 5.
It is the second time that the Washington will serve as a forward-deployed carrier. Back in 2008, it became the first nuclear-powered carrier to be based in Japan.
“Now is also an exciting time for the men and women of the USS George Washington, who are building on that ship’s history as Reagan’s predecessor in Yokosuka and re-establishing ‘GW’ as America’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier — a tangible and enduring sign of our nation’s commitment to peace, stability and freedom in the region,” said Newkirk.
Prior to docking in San Diego, the Reagan’s strike group completed a patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, while the Washington circumnavigated South America.
The Reagan’s air wing and 350 sailors — 13% of the crew — will swap with personnel from the Washington.
