By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Beverly J. Lesonik
USS George Washington Public Affairs
NAVAL BASE GUAM – Sailors stationed aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated in a friendly soccer match against service members from the U.S. Coast Guard and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas, Oct. 28.
This event kicks off the first night of George Washington’s port visit to the island nation.
“The game was fun and gave us a chance to get to know Sailors on George Washington better as well as new Sailors from other commands,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Luis Cervantes, from Clearfield, Utah. “It almost gives us the feeling of being a professional team because we get to travel the world and play against a variety of different teams.”
George Washington defeated the opposition, 2-1, to earn the victory and bragging rights over the two commands.
“I am pretty new to the ship so this was a great way to get out and make some new friends,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Lyndon Schwartz, from Pittsburgh. “Soccer is a sport I played before joining the Navy and it is a great way to interact with the local people from the ports we visit.”
George Washington is scheduled for three more sporting events during its stay, including a basketball game against Guam’s national team.
“Playing soccer or any other sport is a great way to get some exercise to stay in shape,” said Schwartz. “The Navy physical readiness test is coming up in about a week and it is important to still remain active even though we are in port.”
George Washington and CVW 5 provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.