Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) welcomed guests from Okinawa, Japan, during a distinguished visitor embark, Nov. 11.

Leaders from the U.S. Air Force spent Veterans Day learning about aircraft and ship operations aboard a forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

"This was a great opportunity for some of our fellow service members to visit USS George Washington to see how we conduct operations," said Capt. Greg Fenton, George Washington's commanding officer.

Brig. Gen. James Hecker, commander, 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base; Alfred Magleby, Consul General, U.S. Consulate, Naha; and Capt. Michael Michel, commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa were among the 18 guests who visited George Washington.

"Today I was given insight into the lives of those stationed aboard George Washington," said Magleby. "I gained an incredible amount of respect and admiration for the Sailors aboard who orchestrate these operations every day with extensive skill, versatility and precision."

The distinguished visitors received a comprehensive tour of the ship's navigation and flag bridges, combat direction center, air operations center, flight deck control, and medical center and observed flight operations on the ship's flight deck.

"It was impressive seeing flight operations," said Col. Dwayne Robinson, commander, 18th Civil Engineering Group. "But more so than that, it was impressive seeing the teamwork and efforts of all the Sailors aboard the ship. It was amazing to see the level of confidence that each Sailor had in each other while conducting these operations. I feel honored to have spent Veterans Day with such an outstanding group of individuals."

George Washington and it's embarked carrier air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 provide a combat-ready force that protects the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region.