Distinguished guests from the Guam Legislature, Guam Mayors Council and Guam Chamber of Commerce visited the U.S. Navy's forward deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) for an underway embark, Sept. 16.

Sen. Rory Respicio, majority leader of the Guam Legislature; Sen. Christopher Duenas, legislative assistant minority leader; Robert D.C. Hoffmann, mayor and vice president of the Mayor's Council of Guam; and June Blas, mayor and treasurer of the Mayor's Council of Guam were three of the distinguished visitors who embarked the ship.

"Coming out here today was an awesome, once in a lifetime, experience," said Respicio. "I'm happy to be in a position where I can be part of this distinguished visit, but the real VIPs on this aircraft carrier are the men and women of the United States Navy."

Eighteen guests toured the ship after a brief welcome from Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet and Capt. Greg Fenton, George Washington's commanding officer.

"My favorite part was when we went to the Flag and Navigation bridges," said Blas. "We got the chance to speak with Sailors who were navigating the ship and see all the operations."

The tour continued with a visit to the flight deck control room, air operations center, and the flight deck, where guests observed and learned about different aspects of flight operations.

"This is great because we get to see [Sailors in their] environments," said Hoffmann. "I'm just in awe over the amount of time and energy that gets put into these operations. I'd like to thank all of the men and women on this ship for their service."

After observing flight operations, guests were lead on a tour of the hangar bay, where they posed for a group photo and returned to the commanding officer's in port cabin.

"It has really been an honor to have everybody out here," said Fenton. "Guam has always been a favorite port visit for the crew and I am very much looking forward to eventually bringing the ship in and enjoying Guam for a few days."

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region.