The USS George Washington left its forward-deployed port of Yakuska in Japan on May 30 for its spring deployment on patrol in the Indo-Pacific, according to media reports.
Carrier Air Wing Five usually joins the George Washington at sea.
The USS Blue Ridge, which serves as the command ship for the Seventh Fleet, has also departed Yakuska.
The George Washington is scheduled for a port visit to Guam from June 16 to June 20, and potentially ports of allied nations in Asia.
In 2025, the George Washington also visited Guam and other ports, and the island saw other carriers visit. Such visits are a boost to the island’s hospitality industry at a time when tourist arrivals are only slowly increasing to post-pandemic levels.
The carrier’s presence in the region comes at a time when a People’s Liberation Army Navy aircraft carrier and accompanying destroyers have been tracked in the region.
For the Northern Mariana Islands, Valiant Shield 2026, which takes place from June 22 to July 1, will see a U.S. Army detachment of approximately 250 personnel operate from North Field, with additional support from Marine Wing Support Squadron 17, according to media reports.
The U.S. Marine Corps has used Tinian as part of Valiant Shield since 2014.
According to Journal files, Naval Base Guam and Andersen Air Force Base will also see personnel participate in drills at both locations.
For additional information, see military-exercises-no-longer-economic-certainty mbj
