USS George Washington Departs Vietnam, Heads to Middle East
The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62), and guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) departed Da Nang, Vietnam on Aug. 5, 2026, concluding a scheduled port visit.
[Photo above: USS George Washington (CVN 73) departs Da Nang, Vietnam on Aug 5, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew Novak)]
The carrier is heading to the Indian Ocean to replace the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been on deployment for over 10 months amid reports of poor conditions on board and supply shortages.
During the Vietnam port visit, the leadership and crew of George Washington engaged in a robust schedule of key leader engagements with military counterparts to include a reception with 400 guests from Vietnam, a friendly soccer game between US and Vietnam Sailors, U.S. Seventh Fleet Band concerts, and ship tours for over 450 guests aimed at building trust and highlighting the strengthening U.S.-Vietnam partnership. Each iteration serves to further deepen the network of cooperation that represents the critical importance of maritime partnership.
“Whether we are navigating the complexities of an at-sea rescue exercise or playing a spirited game of soccer on a local field, the goal is the same: building human connections,” said Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer of George Washington. “The hospitality shown to our Sailors by the people of Da Nang was world-class. Through these cultural exchanges and cooperative training events, we strengthen the bonds that help maintain peace and stability throughout the region.” The U.S. Navy looks forward to the continued work with the Vietnam People’s Navy and across the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense to advance a free, open, secure, and prosperous region.
The GWA CSG is operating 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, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.
