USS George Washington conducts small boat engagement in Celebes Sea

Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Charles Helt, from St. Louis, assigned to security department, aims an M240 Bravo during a small boat engagement drill on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Celebes Sea, July 11, 2025. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWA CSG) is conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The 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 region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tyler Crowley)