George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

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The furd work George Washington's crew par forth in totting the D-Day commemoration activities on lone $ and 6 was one of the man) efforts that helped tonor the sacrifices our predecessors made in support of the Normandy invasion The significance of that day. the greatest amphibious assault in modem warfare, was as evident on the faces of Normandy's veterans June 6 as it must have been foe them when they waded into the frigid waters of the English Channel and shxmed into histoey $0 years ago. Whether the mission was to take out heavily fortified German pillboxes, provide off-shore gun supp-m or bcenb advancing tank battalions, there was a singular purpose: defend freedom agaansl a tyrant bent on work! domination. Nearly 10.000 Americans made the supreme sacrifice during the days leading up to arsj after D-Day. Fifty-years laser. George Washington paused for a moment, along with much of ihc world, to recogaare the grasity of those events Over a period of about one week the crew helped relive the significance of D-Day, Port visits to Portsmouth. England, and Brest. France, with the Presidential embark in between, tonight home the idea that success is a team effort. Days 17.18.19

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The hard work George Washington’s crew put forth in hosting the D-Day commemoration activities on June 5 and 6 was one of the many efforts that helped honor the sacrifices our predecessors made in support of the Normandy invasion. The significance of that day, the greatest amphibious assault in modern warfare, was as evident on the faces of Normandy’s veterans June 6 as it must have been for them when they waded into the frigid waters of the English Channel and stormed into history 50 years ago. Whether the mission was to take out heavily fortified German pillboxes, provide off-shore gun support or bomb advancing tank battalions, there was a singular purpose: defend freedom against a tyrant bent on world domination. Nearly 10,000 Americans made the supreme sacrifice during the days leading up to and after D-Day. Fifty-years later, George Washington paused for a moment, along with much of the world, to recognize the gravity of those events. Over a period of about one week the crew helped relive the significance of D-Day. Port visits to Portsmouth, England, and Brest, France, with the Presidential embark in between, brought home the idea that success is a team effort. 50th ANNIVERSARY 1944-1994 Days I 7,18,19 1944 - 1994 33

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Crowded with ships observing the afloat ceremonies, the windswept English coastline was calm those early days in June in comparison to what it must have been 50 years ago. George Washington, off the coast of Portsmouth, England, one of the world’s largest natural harbors, was gearing up to pay tribute to those who gave their lives on the beaches across the Channel. On June 2-4. just days before CAPT Sprigg would lead his crew in support of the D-Day commemoration, some of the crew took time for a brief rest ashore, traveling to London and seeing some of Europe's most historical sights. For many, Portsmouth will be remembered for two reasons. First, it was the last stop before D-Day, and second, because it was the ship and crew’s first foreign liberty port. Day 14 34 Portsmouth. England