George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

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The “Spirit of Freedom” does “The Ditch” Diplomatic channels caused a one-day delay in authorizing the transit, but as soon as the Egyptian government gave the word on March 15. George Washington, which had spent the previous two nights anchored at Port Said, began traversing the Suez Canal. The transit was a tricky one for a ship the size of GW. and it took the consummate skill of the ship's master helmsmen to guide it through a waterway that, at some points, is narrower than the length of the carrier. For some Sailors, it was as if they'd never left; GW‘s last appearance in “The Ditch had occurred only 18 months before. But many Suez first-timers -- and some salty veterans -- altered their schedules to allow for some sightseeing on the flight deck. Suez Canal 89

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88 Suez Canal

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90 Suez Canal