USS George Washington: A Look at One of the World's Largest Carriers

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United States President Donald Trump visited the USS George Washington on the afternoon of October 28, following his first summit with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was docked at Yokosuka Port in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Trump's visit lifted the crew's morale and underscored the strong ties between Japan and the United States. The carrier's imposing presence also sends a strategic message to China, which is seeking to expand its maritime influence, and to North Korea, which continues its nuclear and missile programs.

Named after the first US president, the George Washington is powered by nuclear reactors. These reactors generate steam to drive the ship's turbines. The US Navy's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Enterprise, was launched in 1960.

*Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump walk aboard USS George Washington on October 28 in Yokosuka. (©AP via Kyodo)*

Size and Capabilities

Commissioned in 1992, the George Washington is one of the largest carriers in the world. According to sources such as the US Navy's Japan Command and Yokosuka City, it measures about 330 meters (1083 ft) in length. This is roughly the height of Tokyo Tower laid horizontally, and more than 75 meters wide. Its flight deck covers 18,210 square meters (19,6011 sq ft), about 1.4 times the size of Tokyo Dome's field.

Military journalist Masato Ushio describes US aircraft carriers as "self-contained cities, with everything for daily life, including a church, a courthouse, and even a doctoral program."

The George Washington has a full-load displacement of over 100,000 tons and can reach speeds exceeding 30 knots (55 km/h). Carrying around 70 aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters, it also leads a strike group made up of Aegis destroyers, cruisers, and supply ships.

The US Navy operates 11 such strike groups worldwide, and the George Washington is part of its Indo-Pacific Command. Its primary operational area stretches from Hawaii to the Indian Ocean. "In the event of a conflict like the Gulf War, it could also operate on the other side of the planet," Ushio notes.

Yokosuka Base

The ship has been stationed at the US naval base in Yokosuka since 2008. This effectively serves as its home port. According to the city's Crisis Management Division, the carrier departed on September 30 and returned on October 18. Its crew numbers around 4,820. The Japanese homeport visit allows for rest and resupply of food, fuel, and other necessities for future missions.

During his 2019 visit to Japan, Trump boarded Japan's Izumo-class escort ship Kaga. Alongside then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, he addressed American and Japanese personnel.

Ushio added, "It appears the Japan–US leaders traveled to Yokosuka aboard Marine One, the presidential helicopter. This visit is expected to further strengthen Japan–US relations."