USS Kitty Hawk to Participate in RIMPAC 2008

June 11, 2008

The aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) departs Yokosuka, Japan for the final time. Kitty Hawk, the oldest carrier in the U.S. Navy and the only conventional-powered aircraft carrier, will be replaced this summer by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau

From Commander, Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet announced June 9 the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) will replace USS George Washington (GW) (CVN 73) in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 Exercise scheduled to take place in the Hawaiian operating area from June 29 through July 31.
A fire occurred onboard GW on May 22 while the ship was at sea. The ship is currently in port at , , conducting repairs to spaces and equipment affected by the fire. The timeline for repairs to the ship has not yet been determined.
Once repairs to the ship are complete, USS George Washington will replace USS Kitty Hawk as the United States Navy's forward deployed aircraft carrier in the Pacific.
RIMPAC, hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, demonstrates the U.S. Navy's commitment to working with our global partners in protecting the maritime freedom as a basis for global prosperity and to ensure stability throughout the Pacific.
RIMPAC has been conducted since 1971. This year's exercise consists of 10 nations, 35 ships, six submarines, over 150 aircraft and 20,000 Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Coast Guardsmen. Units from , , , , , , of , , and the are scheduled to participate.