USS George Washington Departs Yokosuka for Sea Trials Ahead of Next Indo-Pacific Patrol

On May 10 2026 the nuclear-powered carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73), the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed carrier, left Yokosuka Naval Base at about 10 a.m. with 3,100 crew members. The ship, which replaced USS Kitty Hawk in 2008 and completed a six-year Refueling and Complex Overhaul in late 2024, is believed to be conducting a week-long sea-trial period—testing propulsion, maneuverability and combat systems—before its scheduled annual patrol. Navy has not publicly confirmed the departure’s purpose, a routine practice for operational security.

The U.S. Navy’s Only Forward-Deployed Aircraft Carrier Just Left Yokosuka With 3,100 Sailors as China Expands Its Own Carrier FleetStars and StripesForbes

Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) began a carrier-landing qualification on Iwo Jima with F-35C, F/A-18E/F, EA-18G and E-2D aircraft. Senior pilots must fly at least six sorties—three day, three night—performing seven to eight touch-and-go landings; junior pilots may execute more than a dozen. Fields at Misawa, Yokota, Atsugi and Iwakuni are available if weather disrupts training.

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Japan’s Ministry of Defense said carrier-landing practice “strengthens Japan’s defense and the U.S. deterrence and response capabilities in the region.” Yokosuka city government confirmed the carrier’s departure time in a news release. Stars and Stripes noted forward-deployed carriers typically spend six months at sea with a brief port return, and the 7th Fleet notifies Japanese authorities of nuclear-powered ship movements. Analysts warn the carrier fleet faces growing strain from prolonged deployments in the Middle East, Venezuela and the Mediterranean, compounded by maintenance backlogs. China’s expanding carrier program and heightened operational tempo raise concerns about the sustainability of forward-deployed assets and the risk of overextending limited carrier availability.

The U.S. Navy’s Only Forward-Deployed Aircraft Carrier Just Left Yokosuka With 3,100 Sailors as China Expands Its Own Carrier FleetForbesStars and Stripes

Stationing a carrier in Japan enables response to crises in Taiwan, the East China Sea, the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea. Sea trials and CLQ training keep the ship and its air wing ready to project power and support deterrence as China expands its carrier fleet.

The U.S. Navy’s Only Forward-Deployed Aircraft Carrier Just Left Yokosuka With 3,100 Sailors as China Expands Its Own Carrier Fleet

U.S. Navy officials declined to comment on the departure, leaving the exact start date of the next patrol unconfirmed. Sources differ on whether the carrier will head directly to its annual patrol after sea trials or return briefly to Yokosuka, reflecting limited official disclosure.

The U.S. Navy’s Only Forward-Deployed Aircraft Carrier Just Left Yokosuka With 3,100 Sailors as China Expands Its Own Carrier Fleet

• “U.S. aircraft carrier landing practice is essential training for aircraft carrier pilots to obtain carrier landing qualifications, requiring them to land on runways at land-based airfields, simulating the deck of an aircraft carrier. This training is of great importance for strengthening Japan's defense and the U.S. deterrence and response capabilities in the region,” — Japan Ministry of Defense

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• “Sunday, the Yokosuka city government said in a news release that day.” — Yokosuka city government

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• “Senior pilots will fly at least six sorties — three during the day and three at night — and complete seven to eight touch-and-go landings.” — U.S. Naval Forces Japan

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• “Carrier Air Wing 5 operates from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and serves as the permanently assigned air wing for George Washington.” — U.S. Naval Forces Japan

The U.S. Navy’s Only Forward-Deployed Aircraft Carrier Just Left Yokosuka With 3,100 Sailors as China Expands Its Own Carrier Fleet