USS George Washington: From 9/11 Response to Middle East Patrol

The USS George Washington (CVN-73), a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, has been operating in the Arabian Sea since May 2026 as part of its 2026 patrol. It was deployed to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and provide maritime security, deterrence, and regional stability.

However, what's less known is that this carrier played a crucial role in responding to the 9/11 attacks 25 years ago. At the time, the plans for CVN-73 were changed quickly after the news of the terrorist attacks on New York City and the Pentagon broke out.

The USS George Washington was diverted from its post-maintenance testing and training to one of real-world threat deterrence under NORAD tasking. The carrier, which had completed its Planned Incremental Availability maintenance period at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia just six weeks prior, quickly transitioned to provide airspace defense for New York City and the surrounding area.

On September 11, 2001, CVN-73 was underway and arrived in New York City the next morning. During its five-day deployment, the carrier launched 234 sorties and flew armed combat patrols in case of a follow-up attack. The USS George Washington's medical department also established a 'walking blood bank' to aid the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

After offloading aircraft on September 17, CVN-73 made its way back to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Nine months later, in June 2002, it began its deployment to the Persian Gulf, where it launched over 10,000 aircraft sorties to enforce no-fly zones and conduct strike missions.