USS George Washington (CVN 73).
Mass Communication
Specialist 2nd Class Juan Pinalez, USS George Washington Public Affairs
Pattaya - The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
USS George Washington (CVN 73) departed Laem Chabang Aug. 11
following five days of rest and relaxation for the crew.
“Just before we pulled into Thailand, the crew
worked around the clock for 56 days at sea, so they definitely
earned this time off,” said George Washington Commanding Officer
Capt. David Lausman. “In port, they proudly represented our country
while enjoying themselves. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
George Washington Sailors enjoyed tours and
cultural activities offered by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and
Recreation department during the port visit.
“The one thing I wanted to do in Thailand was to
ride an elephant and I’m glad I did it,” said Boatswain’s Mate
Seaman Hermajesty Ford from Fresno, Calif. “That’s something I will
remember for the rest of my life.”
Sailors from George Washington also participated
in a friendly cook-off competition at a local hotel, allowing them
the opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Chefs from the hotel
also took time to share a few Thai recipes with the culinary
specialists.
The competition consisted of seven teams; four
from USS George Washington, two from USS Cowpens (CG 63) and another
from USS Mustin (DDG 89).
“Our secret ingredient was love. If you love your
food, it’s going to be great,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class
Benjamin Batenhorst, one of the Sailors in the competition.
The crew also made a difference in the lives of
Thailand’s less fortunate by coordinating nearly a dozen community
service (COMSERV) projects.
“These COMSERV opportunities are not only
beneficial to the children but also serve to enrich the lives of the
Sailors too,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jose Pimentel, George Washington
COMSERV coordinator. “The kids really like seeing service members
from around the world, so when the crew rests and relaxes in Pattaya
they can also spend time to have an impact on the lives of those
living in hardship.”
“Thai people see these gestures of goodwill as
true symbols of friendship,” explained Pimentel. And while the goal
of the port visit was to rest and relax following a long tour at
sea, the crew also conducted training with the Royal Thai Navy,
focusing on anti-surface warfare and search-and-rescue operations.
“We have learned a lot and are happy to have this
opportunity to conduct military-to-military training,” said Royal
Thai Navy Commodore Somkiat Somksawat, Naval Air Division, Royal
Thai Navy.
For nearly 600 people, the port visit provided
them with the opportunity to tour a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Tour
groups included local businessmen, children from an orphanage, Boy
Scout packs, members of a Veterans of Foreign Wars post and families
from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. George Washington’s executive
officer provided a tour to a member of Thailand’s Royal Family, HRH
Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana.
More than 5,500 Sailors are aboard from George Washington and
Carrier Air Wing 5. George Washington’s mission is to ensure
security and stability in the 7th Fleet AOR and to be in position to
work with our allies and regional partners to respond to any crisis
across the operational spectrum as directed.
