USS George Washington conducts fueling-at-sea with Badlands Trader in Celebes Sea

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) readies to come alongside the Military Sealift Command chartered ship motor tanker Badlands Trader prior to a fueling-at-sea evolution while underway in the Celebes Sea, July 10, 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)