GW Carrier Strike Group Arrives in Manila

Story Number: NNS090812-16
Release Date: 8/12/2009 3:21:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John J. Mike, USS George Washington Public Affairs

MANILA, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- The George Washington Carrier Strike Group, along with its more than 5,000 Sailors, arrived in the capital city of the Republic of the Philippines Aug. 11 for a scheduled port visit.

USS George Washington (CVN 73) is making its first visit to the Republic of the Philippines and is currently anchored in Manila Bay. This marks the first U.S. aircraft carrier in more than 13 years to make a port visit here.

GW, commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, is the flagship of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group includes embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62). The Cowpens and Fitzgerald are also anchored in Manila Bay.

Excerpt. Read more at Navy.mil.