George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 25 text:

I 5 d ! Day 12 Veterans got ride of their lives with Sailors Twelve George Washington and Carrier Air Wing Seven crewmembers took advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime chance by each inviting one of their relatives to transit the Atlantic aboard the carrier. The one condition, however, was that the relative be a veteran of World War II which helped add a special generational tie to the Normandy commemoration events. The veterans spent much of their time either talking with the crew about their experiences during World War II, or touring the ship to sec the advancements the Navy has made over the last 50 years. Crewmember Veteran LT Scan Scharf Robert Scharf CDR John Drcrup John Drcrup CAPT Victor Smith John Trucsdell LCDR Bob Ford Thomas Dobinski LCDR Kim McEligot Alvin Via AT2 Darren Wickers Walter Campbell CDR Brad Mason Bruce Mason BM3 Leonard Jarles Max Carlson MA2 Joseph Pantone Clyde Donclson AVCM(AW) George Ross Ben Hardin AMEC(AW) Stephan Bonshak Stephen Bonshak AN Marc Hazel Gordon Hazel I'm proud for my Grandfather and I'm nappy he could come on the trip with us. He reminds me of why we're on this ship and on deployment.’ • BM3 Leonard Jartes 20 Transit across the Atlantic

Page 24 text:

May 20 was a day of firsts for George Washington and the crew: It wot the first lime the world's newest and mightiest warship set sail on a six-month deployment. The first time many in its crew began a Journey that would take them to parts of the world they never thought of visiting before Joining the Navy. The first time the crew's skills and stamina would be tested for an extended period of time. And the first and probably only lime the ship would be scheduled to tale center stage in a ceremony the size and scope of the D-Day commemoration. Nervous ? Probably a little. But filled more with a sense of pride and professionalism, the crew departed Norfolk expecting to meet every challenge. In the true spirit of their nation i founder, the crew of George Washington left home to a Job they had prepared years to do. What lay ahead u oi their chance to prose their proficiency.

Page 26 text:

 Transit across the Atlantic 21