George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

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COMPTUEX JTFEX 23

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GW earns ‘Blue Water’ certification in record time GW took over for USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) as the “surge carrier in October 1995, and it did so with precedent-setting speed. After a highly successful series of operational workups, the “Spirit of Freedom” took another critical step in preparation for the deployment by attaining its “Blue Water” certification. According to Capt. Branch, the certification was granted three days earlier than is considered standard for an aircraft carrier. “The fact that we gained the certification this early is a testament to the dedication and teamwork that this crew has shown throughout these workups,” Branch said in an address to the crew. “I am exceedingly proud of the entire George Washington Carrier Air Wing Seven team.” 22 COMPTUEX JTFEX

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GW celebrates holidays during standdown The men and women of George Washington were fortunate enough to be able to spend Christmas with their loved ones before the beginning of the cruise. To allow Sailors to make the most of their last few weeks at home, the ship went into a “standdown” period, during which crew members could take pre-deployment leave. During the standdown. GW held Christmas parties for Sailors and their children, and the ship participated in a base-wide decoration contest -- dubbed “Operation Decorama” -- which the “Spirit of Freedom won. 24 Standdown