George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 42 text:

Operation Decisive Endeavor

Page 41 text:

Turnover 37

Page 43 text:

GW supports Operation Decisive Endeavor The “Spirit of Freedom had barely left home when it was called upon to apply its months of comprehensive training to real-world operations. After relieving USS America (CV 66) and assuming forward-deployed status, GW promptly began flying missions in support of Operation Decisive Endeavor. The GW CVW 7 aviation strike force was tasked with the protection of NATO’s Peace Implementation Force (IFOR), which was in Bosnia-Herzegovina enforcing the provisions of the Day-ton peace accord. Keeping the peace between the former warring factions of the Balkans region required a combined effort not only between the different branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, but from the other NATO forces as well, and GW proved to be equal to the task. IFOR Commander Adm. Leighton Smith would later visit the ship and reaffirm the Sailors’ belief that they were doing the right thing for all parties concerned. “There is no doubt in my mind that every citizen in (Bosnia-Hergovina) wants peace, Smith said during his visit. Operation Decisive Endeavor 39