George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

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 Suez Canal 225

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The Suez Canal... the fourth time Locally produced I Did the Ditch certificate another unique aspect of GW's maiden deployment Passing through the Suez Canal the fourth time was a less than unique experience for the crew. “Been there, done that” was a common phrase heard around the mess decks that day. For those not on watch, sightseeing was replaced with shopping for cruise jackets, sunbathing and card playing. What did make the last transit special, however, was news of a unique canal certificate designed by LIC(SW AW) Lee Maydcn and printed by GW’s Print Shop. Normally, ship's purchase certificates from a private company. Unfor tclv. the certificates are mass produced ai . k like everyone clse's... nothing unique ait them. But aboard GW, the crew’s “I Dili t Ditch” certificate was unique because it v a ally produced and artistically designed. 224 Suez Canal

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GW Likes IKE! Turnover with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) The same feeling Sailors aboard USS Saratoga (CV 60) probably had when George Washington took over the watch at the beginning of the maiden deployment was now something GW crew members could relate to as they looked off the port side and saw their relief. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. GW spirit was very alive that day and took the form of fast-paced but safe vertical replenishment operations that moved stores, aircraft engines, weapons, and other supplies from below decks, to the “roof , and then finally on to IKE. To show their appreciation for the duty the IKE was about to assume. GW crew members painted a massive “GW Likes IKE” mural that resembled the campaign slogan button Dwight D. Eisenhower made famous during his successful bid for the presidency. After the paint was allowed to dry overnight, the mural was draped into position on the island. To all who could sec. there was no question about how every Sailor aboard GW felt about that day. GW definitely “Liked Ike,” because the Navy's newest aircraft carrier and its crew was finally on its way home. 226 Turnover