GW leaves on first mission from Japan

[unhappycamper]

GW leaves on first mission from Japan
The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Oct 2, 2008 6:37:17 EDT

TOKYO — The carrier George Washington left its new home port south of Tokyo on Wednesday on its first mission from Japan.

The nuclear-powered carrier is expected to stop in Busan, South Korea, and then head farther south into the Pacific for drills and patrols.

The George Washington, the only U.S. carrier that has its home port outside the United States, is the centerpiece of 7th Fleet, which is based in Yokosuka.

Hanako Tomizuka, a Navy spokeswoman, confirmed the ship had left in the morning. She did not provide further details on the deployment as it is Navy policy not to comment on future operations and positions of its warships.

The carrier arrived in Japan on Thursday, replacing the carrier Kitty Hawk, which is being decommissioned.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/10/ap_gw_100108/%2e