USS George Washington (CVN 73) is celebrating its 30th birthday. The U.S. Navy commissioned the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier July 4, 1992. CVN 73’s journey began at Newport News Shipbuilding with the keel laying on Aug. 25, 1986. The ship is now at Newport News Shipbuilding undergoing its mid-life refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH).

CVN 73 Program Director Gary Graham said he is proud to have worked on the ship’s docking planned incremental availability (DPIA) at NNS in 2005 and its current RCOH.

“She has had a tremendous 30 years so far, including becoming the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to be deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. It is an honor to be a part of her RCOH, which will prepare her for her next 25 years,” he said.