Reuters Photographer Ed Ou Documents Life Aboard USS George Washington in Strait of Hormuz
A photo collection by Ed Ou for Reuters showcases the everyday life on the USS George Washington, which is currently enforcing a US naval blockade against Iran and safeguarding commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This aircraft carrier, deployed in early August to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, is home to over 5,000 personnel. The images capture sailors exercising in the hangar, servicing a Grumman E-2 Hawkeye radar plane, and participating in a ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Brody Samaha, a 'shooter', is seen launching a fighter jet during morning operations. Other highlights include nighttime flight deck activities, Chaplain Ben Garrett leading a service, and sailors using phones to contact family, with many crew members aged 19-24. The Iranian government has consistently criticized US military presence in the Strait of Hormuz.
Key facts
- The USS George Washington is enforcing a US naval blockade against Iran and providing cover for commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz
- The carrier was deployed to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln
- The ship has been at sea since early August
- The vessel can carry more than 5,000 personnel
- A ceremony marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks
- Brody Samaha, a 'shooter', operates the Integrated Catapult Control System bubble
- Chaplain Ben Garrett, a Roman Catholic priest, holds a religious service aboard
- Airman Christian Gatewood, 20, of Mississippi, stands on the flight deck; many crew members are aged 19-24
Entities
Artists
- Ed Ou
- Brody Samaha
- Ben Garrett
- Jesse Quaye
- Christian Gatewood
- George Washington
Institutions
- Reuters
- US Navy
- Grumman
- The Guardian
Locations
- Strait of Hormuz
- Iran
- Mississippi
- United States