THE TENSION: Combat Camera: USS George Washington

NORFOLK, Va. (Aug. 30, 2007) - USS George Washington (CVN 73) moves into Naval Station Norfolk after completing sea trials. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier returned to Naval Station Norfolk after four days of sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean and completing an 11-month, $300 million planned incremental availability. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jon Dasbach (RELEASED)

NORFOLK, Va. (Aug. 30, 2007) - Line handlers from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) stand on the pier while USS George Washington (CVN 73) moves into position to cast over mooring lines. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier returned to Naval Station Norfolk after four days of sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean and completing an 11-month, $300 million planned incremental availability. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jon Dasbach (RELEASED)

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Aug. 27, 2007) - Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) departs Norfolk Naval Shipyard for her homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, Va. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sheldon Rowley (RELEASED)

NORFOLK, Va. (Aug. 27, 2007) - USS George Washington (CVN 73) passes by downtown Norfolk, Va., in transit through the Elizabeth River en route to a week of sea trials. The Norfolk-based aircraft carrier is undergoing sea trials, following a $300 million, 11-month planned incremental availability. George Washington is scheduled to relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) in 2008 as the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua A. Olson (RELEASED)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 28, 2007) - Sailors aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) fight a mock aircraft fire during flight deck drills. The Norfolk-based aircraft carrier is undergoing sea trials following a $300-million, 11-month planned incremental availability. George Washington is scheduled to relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) in 2008 as the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua A. Olson (RELEASED)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 27, 2007) - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Wain Scott and Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Sean Casto scrub a padeye during a counter-measure washdown on the flight deck aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). The Norfolk-based aircraft carrier is undergoing sea trials, following a $300 million, 11-month planned incremental availability. George Washington is scheduled to relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) in 2008 as the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua A. Olson (RELEASED)

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Aug. 27, 2007) - USS George Washington (CVN 73) Sailors heave in a mooring line as the ship leaves Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is undergoing sea trials following a $300-million, 11-month planned incremental availability. The ship is scheduled to relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CVN 63) in 2008 as the Navy's permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jennifer Apsey (RELEASED)

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (April 25, 2007) - Tug boats steady the bow of USS George Washington (CVN 73) as the aircraft carrier transits from dry dock to a wet slip. The Norfolk-based Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is currently undergoing Planned Incremental Availability and Docking (PIA+D). The availability will prepare George Washington to relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the fleet's forward deployed carrier in 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jennifer Apsey (RELEASED)

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (April 25, 2007) - As line handlers keep USS George Washington (CVN 73) centered in the dry dock, tugboats assist the carrier move from dry dock to wet slip. The Norfolk-based Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is currently undergoing Planned Incremental Availability and Docking (PIA+D). The availability will prepare George Washington to relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the fleet's forward deployed carrier in 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter D. Blair (RELEASED)

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Nov. 10, 2006) - A Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) crane removes the main mast from the island structure of USS George Washington (CVN 73). The Norfolk-based Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is undergoing a $300 million shipyard availability at NNSY. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jennifer Apsey (RELEASED)

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Sept. 14, 2006) - The Nimitz Class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) transits the James River on its way to Norfolk Naval Shipyards. George Washington recently completed deperming, a process in which the ship is demagnetized. The ship will spend the next year in the yards being refitted and upgraded during a scheduled yard period. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter D. Blair (RELEASED)