Undoubtedly, one of the main protagonists of the PASSEX Exercise “Gringo-Gaucho II” between the Navies of Argentina and the United States was the USS George Washington aircraft carrier (CVN-73). The Nimitz-class vessel is on a significant journey that will ultimately take it to Japan as its final stop, to relieve the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier (CVN-76) in that operational area. Here are some of the best photographs of the vessel during its passage through the Argentine Sea.
Taking advantage of this opportunity to enhance ties between South American navies, the USS George Washington’s journey within the operational area of the United States Southern Command was designated Southern Seas 2024, beginning in late April when the ship departed from Naval Station Norfolk. Over the past few weeks, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) and a Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler have been escorting and supporting it. Specifically, the USNS John Lenthall (T-AO-189).
Onboard, the following squadrons of various types of aircraft are embarked: fifth-generation F-35C Lightning II fighters from VFA-147 “Argonauts” squadron, F-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighters from VFA-103 “Jolly Rogers” squadron, E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft assigned to VAW-116 “Sun Kings” squadron, EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft from VAQ-140 “Patriots” squadron, MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission helicopters from HSM-46 “Grandmasters” squadron, and MH-60S helicopters from HSC-5 “Nightdippers” squadron.
As evidenced by the recent activity of the aircraft carrier in Argentine waters, the USS George Washington has already completed combined exercises with the Argentine Navy and the Brazilian Navy, following its route south of the American continent to cross into the Pacific Ocean. It is expected to conduct similar activities with the naval forces of Chile, Peru, and Colombia before continuing its journey towards Naval Base San Diego and then proceeding to Japan.
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