USS George Washington Strike Group Departs from Busan

by Courtesy Story

09 November 2025
BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62), USS Shoup (DDG 86), and USS Milius (DDG 69) departed Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK), after a scheduled port visit Nov. 9.

Rear Adm. Sharif H. Calfee, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea, met with CSG 5 leadership and welcomed the crew of George Washington to Busan.

"USS George Washington Strike Group port visit to Busan underscores the unwavering commitment of the United States to the Republic of Korea and to maintaining security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," said Calfee. "This port visit provided invaluable opportunities to strengthen interoperability with our ROK Navy allies, further enhancing our collective ability to respond to any challenge, as well as serving as a powerful demonstration of naval strength that sends a clear message of deterrence while reaffirming our enduring alliance."

The U.S. and ROK alliance have promoted peace and security in Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula for more than 70 years. George Washington last visited ROK in 2014. This port visit marked its return to reinforce the Navy’s commitment to a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. While in port, George Washington hosted visits from U.S. and ROK military leadership.

“Our first year back as the U.S. Navy’s premiere forward-deployed aircraft carrier would not be complete without a visit to Busan and engagements with our friends and long-standing allies in the Republic of Korea,” said Capt. Tim Waits, commanding officer of George Washington. “I’m incredibly grateful for the hospitality provided to us in Busan as well as the opportunities we had to work with and train alongside ROK Navy.”

The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWACSG) departed Yokosuka, Japan for a scheduled underway, Sept. 30.

GWCSG consists of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15.

GWCSG is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet.