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Aug. 25, 1986: Keel laid on the USS George Washington.

July 21, 1990: Then-first lady Barbara Bush christens the aircraft carrier.

July 4, 1992: The USS George Washington was formally commissioned for duty in the U.S. Navy.

July 21, 1990: Then-first lady Barbara Bush christens the aircraft carrier.

1996: GW hosts meeting of the Joint Military Commission from the former warring factions in Bosnia Herzegovina.

Oct. 1997-April 1998: The USS George Washington deploys to the Persian Gulf to allow United Nations weapons inspectors in Iraq.

June-December 2000: The USS George Washington deploys to the Persian Gulf.

2002: Jets leaving from the flight deck provide air support for U.S. troops in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

2004: The USS George Washington returns to the Persian Gulf to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Dec. 1, 2005: The U.S Navy announces that the GW will replace the USS Kitty Hawk as the forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Japan.

b The USS George Washington goes on a two-month "Partnership of the Americas" deployment to South America.

April 7, 2008: The George Washington departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va., to transit around South America en route to Yokosuka.

May 22, 2008: A fire started at sea aboard the ship, causing minor injuries to 37 sailors and damaging 80 of the ship’s 3,800 work spaces. The carrier continued to San Diego’s North Island for repairs.

July 30, 2008: The Navy announces that smoking, combined with improperly stored flammable liquids, triggered the fire. The ship’s commanding and executive officers were relieved of their duties aboard the ship.

Aug. 21, 2008: The USS George Washington leaves San Diego’s North Island to complete sea trials and start its journey to Yokosuka.

Sept. 25, 2008: The USS George Washington arrives in Yokosuka

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