San Diego is the hub for one of the most complex maneuvers in the U.S. Navy’s history. The crews of three aircraft carriers will switch places. While the move is being done for strategic reasons, it’s also seen as a way to encourage sailors to stick with the military.
The Navy has never tried to swap the crews of three of its Nimitz Class Aircraft carriers. The operation has been informally dubbed the Three Presidents. The USS George Washington and USS Ronald Reagan switched crews this month in San Diego. The Reagan is on its way to Japan. The Washington is headed to Virginia for its midlife overhaul. The USS Theodore Roosevelt will eventually arrive in San Diego. Around the end of the year, the Roosevelt and Washington will then switch crews in sweeping, cross-country airlift.
READ: KPBS San Diego