YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 14, 2010) The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) returns to its homeport of Yokosuka, Japan, after a three-week fall patrol marking the end of the 2010 deployment schedule. Since pulling out of port on May 18, 2010, George Washington has traveled 51,700 nautical miles and safely launched and recovered 8,351 aircraft. George Washington is the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier ensuring security and stability across the western Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cheryl Callahan/Released Quake Moves U.S. Aircraft Carrier From Yokosuka Pier -- Stars And Stripes
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington say the gentle rocking that signaled the beginning of the earthquake felt so familiar, they barely took note. As it intensified over the next few minutes, they knew something extraordinary was happening.
“It actually felt like we were under way and answering bells,” said Chief Petty Officer Bill Mason, of Damascus, Pa.
Mason checked the water line in the harbor shortly after the major quake — the water had dropped 6 feet, he said.
The George Washington is 1,092 feet long and includes 60,000 tons of structural steel — but the quake was so strong that it moved the ship away from its pier, sailors said.
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My Comment: It must have been quite a scene aboard the USS George Washington when the full power of the earthquake struck the ship.