Visit to the USS George Washington — April 2010
On Saturday, 3rd April 2010, members of the Cambridge & Oxford Society were invited by former US Naval Officer Lieutenant Commander Edmond Aruffo (Hughes Hall, Cantab.) for a tour of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington, based at Yokosuka Naval Base.
Thirty-three members attended. As with our previous tour of the USS Blue Ridge, we were blessed with clear skies and sunshine. After passing through the entry gate, a powerful “Listen up!” from Edmond snapped everyone to attention, and we boarded the bus that would take us to the ship.
C&O members arriving for the tour at Yokosuka Naval Base.
We were met by Captain Dave “Too Tall” Lausman (CO) and XO Dan Grieco, who explained key US Navy safety protocols — including a firm reminder not to touch any switches, knobs, or enticing red buttons marked “Launch”. The aircraft carrier itself made an immediate impression: a vast 300-metre-long floating airbase.
We boarded and climbed to the enormous hangar deck, which at the time was undergoing renovation. Captain Lausman introduced several members of his crew and explained the design, mission, and daily operations of the ship.
On the hangar deck of the USS George Washington.
From there, we ascended to the flight deck for a close look at the specialised equipment used to launch and recover aircraft. The crew explained the operation of the steam catapult, the jet blast deflector, and the arresting cables. We also inspected a retired Navy Hornet jet — said to be “mysteriously assigned” to XO Grieco.
Members examining aircraft and flight deck systems during the tour.
We looked down one of the ship’s enormous aircraft elevators — protected only by a thin safety cable — and imagined how dramatic its operation must be in rough weather. After returning to the hangar deck, members had the opportunity to purchase souvenirs, including caps, challenge coins, and engraved glasses.
The group then moved by bus to the Officers’ Mess. Drinks were enjoyed in the Kurofune Lounge, followed by a buffet dinner in the Kosano Ballroom of the Commissioned Officers’ Club. The generous portions — especially the roast beef — reminded everyone that we were indeed in a little corner of America.
On the flight deck with the ship’s tower and aircraft.
At the end of the evening, members were escorted off the base in three groups for the journey home. It was an excellent and memorable day out, and the Society extends its sincere thanks to Edmond Aruffo and the officers and crew of the USS George Washington for their outstanding hospitality.
— Huw Williams (Clare College, Cambridge 1980)