U.S. Navy aircraft carrier George Washington hits 200,000-trap milestone
The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) recovered its 200,000th fixed-wing aircraft while operating in the Indian Ocean on August 18, according to the Navy.
Lt. Steven Frazier, a pilot with Strike Fighter Squadron 147, landed the milestone aircraft, an F-35C Lightning II, after routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
“For the George Washington, more than anything, it shows consistency over the last 34 years to be able to complete whatever mission the country calls upon it to do,” Frazier said. “For me personally, it shows that if this aircraft carrier launches me off of the ship, I’ll be able to come back and land on it.”
Each landing, known as a trap, requires a fixed-wing aircraft to catch an arresting gear cable with its tailhook. The carrier can recover one aircraft per minute and typically lands about 70 aircraft across multiple events in a single day.
Photo by Jack D. Barnell
USS George Washington has been in continuous service for 34 years. Over that span, the ship has recovered aircraft including F-14 Tomcats, F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2 Hawkeyes and F-35C Lightning IIs.
“Two hundred thousand traps is not just a number, it is a testament to the enduring strength of American naval aviation and the unmatching professionalism of the sailors who make it possible,” said Rear Adm. Jeffrey L. Heames, commander of Carrier Strike Group 5. “This milestone reminds the world that U.S. carriers remain ready to launch and recover aircraft anywhere, anytime, in defense of freedom and our allies.”
“I am immensely proud of every sailor who has served aboard [the] George Washington over the past 34 years,” said Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, the ship’s commanding officer. “The 200,000th trap belongs to the arresting gear teams, the yellow shirts, the maintainers and every watchstander who ensures this afloat airfield stays full mission capable. Our ship continues to deliver combat power from the sea, and this milestone is proof that [we are] ready for whatever the nation asks of us.”
“Every trap is a high-stakes ballet of skill, trust and precision,” said Capt. Brian Kesselring, commander of Carrier Air Wing 5. “Reaching 200,000 on [the] George Washington is a shared achievement between the air wing and the ship’s company.”
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USS George Washington (CVN 73) recovered its 200,000th fixed-wing aircraft, an F-35C Lightning II, while operating in the Indian Ocean on August 18. This milestone reflects the carrier's 34 years of continuous service and operational readiness. The achievement underscores the professionalism of the sailors and the enduring strength of American naval aviation.
- USS George Washington recovered its 200,000th fixed-wing aircraft on August 18.
- The milestone aircraft was an F-35C Lightning II.
- The carrier has been in continuous service for 34 years.
- Each landing requires a fixed-wing aircraft to catch an arresting gear cable.
- The carrier can recover one aircraft per minute, typically landing about 70 aircraft in a day.