The aircraft carrier USS George Washington recovered its 200,000th fixed-wing aircraft while operating in the Indian Ocean on August 18, marking a milestone in the ship's 34 years of continuous service.
Navy Lt. Steven Frazier, piloting an F-35C Lightning II fighter jet, performed the landing, known as a "trap," by catching the ship's arresting gear cable with his aircraft's tail hook. "For the George Washington, more than anything, it shows consistency over the last 34 years to be able to complete whatever mission the country calls upon it to do," Frazier said.
The carrier can land one aircraft on deck per minute and typically recovers 70 aircraft throughout the day. Each recovery involves seamless coordination among pilots, landing signal officers, flight deck crews, arresting gear operations, and maintenance personnel.
Navy Rear Adm. Jeffrey L. Heames, commander of Carrier Strike Group 5, said the milestone reflects the ship's enduring strength. "This milestone reminds the world that U.S. carriers remain ready to launch and recover aircraft anywhere, anytime, in defense of freedom and our allies," he said.
Over more than three decades, thousands of USS George Washington sailors have launched and recovered aircraft ranging from F-14 Tomcats and F/A-18 Hornets to E-2 Hawkeyes and the F-35C Lightning II. Navy Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, the ship's commander, credited the combined efforts across the vessel. "The 200,000th trap belongs to the arresting gear teams, the yellow shirts, the maintainers and every watchstander who ensures this afloat airfield stays full mission capable," he said.