Intro
Explore the mighty USS George Washington (CVN-73), a Nimitz-class supercarrier, with our 10 fast facts. Discover its impressive stats, advanced capabilities, and notable deployments. Learn about its aircraft capacity, propulsion system, and crew size, plus its role in global maritime security and humanitarian missions.
The USS George Washington (CVN-73) is a United States Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that has been in service since 1992. Here are 10 fast facts about this impressive vessel:
1. Namesake and Commissioning
The USS George Washington is named after the first President of the United States, George Washington. The ship was commissioned on July 4, 1992, at Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia.
**Design and Construction**
2. Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carrier
The USS George Washington is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, which is a class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers used by the United States Navy. The Nimitz-class is the largest class of aircraft carriers in the world.
3. Length and Beam
The USS George Washington is 1,092 feet (333 meters) long and 257 feet (78 meters) wide.
**Propulsion and Performance**
4. Nuclear-Powered Propulsion
The USS George Washington is powered by two A1B nuclear reactors, which provide the ship with a virtually unlimited range and endurance.
5. Speed and Range
The USS George Washington has a top speed of over 30 knots (56 km/h) and a range of over 13,000 nautical miles (24,000 km).
**Aircraft and Armament**
6. Aircraft Capacity
The USS George Washington can carry up to 64 aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornet and F-35C Lightning II fighter jets, as well as helicopters and other support aircraft.
7. Armament
The USS George Washington is equipped with a range of armaments, including the Phalanx close-in weapon system, Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) systems.
**Crew and Deployments**
8. Crew
The USS George Washington has a crew of over 5,000 sailors, including officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian contractors.
9. Deployments
The USS George Washington has deployed to several regions around the world, including the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, in support of various military operations and exercises.
**Modernization and Upgrades**
10. Mid-Life Overhaul
The USS George Washington underwent a mid-life overhaul from 2017 to 2020, which included upgrades to its nuclear reactors, electrical systems, and combat systems.
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Gallery of USS George Washington CVN-73
USS George Washington CVN-73 Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the length of the USS George Washington?
+The USS George Washington is 1,092 feet (333 meters) long.
What type of aircraft can the USS George Washington carry?
+The USS George Washington can carry up to 64 aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornet and F-35C Lightning II fighter jets, as well as helicopters and other support aircraft.
What is the crew size of the USS George Washington?
+The USS George Washington has a crew of over 5,000 sailors, including officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian contractors.