'' George Washington '' was one of several ships participating in disaster relief after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami . While docked for maintenance in Yokosuka she detected radiation from the Fukushima I nuclear accidents , and was ordered to leave port before schedule , with a smaller-than-normal crew , to avoid the radioactive plume . The smaller crew was unable to continue to provide aid . While at sea , the carrier made two visits to United States Fleet Activities Sasebo to exchange crew members and take on maintenance equipment . The ship returned to her berth at Yokosuka on 20 April 2011
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
USS George Washington (CVN-73)