Frazier, a pilot assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 147, completed what the Navy calls a “trap” by catching a steel arresting cable with the aircraft’s tail hook. USS George Washington can recover one aircraft per minute and typically lands about 70 aircraft during several daily flight events.
“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.”
“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 Navy 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.”
Each landing requires coordination among pilots, landing signal officers, flight-deck personnel, arresting gear crews below deck and aircraft maintainers. Those teams keep the carrier’s hydraulic and mechanical systems operating around the clock and in all weather conditions.
“I am immensely proud of every sailor who has served aboard [the] George Washington over the past 34 years,” said Navy Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, the carrier’s commander. “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,” DeLeo said. During its service, the carrier 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.
“Every trap is a high-stakes ballet of skill, trust and precision. Reaching 200,000 on [the] George Washington is a shared achievement between the air wing and the ship’s company,” said Navy Capt. Brian Kesselring, commander of Carrier Air Wing 5. “All-hands, past and present, who served aboard [the] George Washington played a part in reaching this monumental historical milestone.”
USS George Washington is continuing service into its fourth decade. The Navy said the 200,000th recovery recognized the work of past and present crews while setting the stage for tens of thousands of future landings.
