By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Liam Kennedy, USS George Washington Public Affairs
BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) departed Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK), Oct. 7.
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier's four-day port visit to "The Land of Morning Calm" fostered goodwill and friendships with a key regional partner.
"We have maintained a 60-year relationship with our friends from [ROK] and it has been an honor to once again visit this great city and nation," said Capt. Greg Fenton, George Washington's commanding officer. "We look forward to many more visits."
George Washington's command religious ministries department organized six community service (COMSERV) projects with schools, orphanages and rehabilitation centers.
"These COMSERVs and tours help to sustain our prosperous relationship with the ROK," said Fenton. "I am extremely proud of our Sailors who continue to show our allies how much we value our relationships."
George Washington also hosted 1,153 ROK dignitaries, military personnel and students for comprehensive ship tours.
"I would like to thank the U.S. Navy and George Washington for providing us the opportunity to show the ship to our children," said David Kyungmin Lee, director of He Mang Won Orphanage. "The kids gained a better understanding of the world by coming here and seeing the U.S. Navy."
George Washington will continue its 2013 patrol of the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations and provide a forward presence focused on peace, regional cooperation and stability.
"I am proud of all the hard work our Sailors have put forth this second half of patrol," said Fenton. "George Washington continues to excel and sustain its mission readiness."
George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.