Norfolk Native Serves Aboard USS George Washington

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Airman Casey J. Williams, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, is serving aboard USS George Washington, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, currently undergoing refueling and complex overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding; the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.

Williams is responsible for keeping divisional spaces on the ship inspection-ready as they are re-finished during Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH), a process for refueling and upgrading nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy.

“I’m learning a lot about how the Navy works,” said Williams. “I’m learning good stuff about leadership and responsibility, especially personal responsibility which I’m still getting used to.”

Williams joined the Navy a year ago to continue a family tradition of military service.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I listened to my grandfather’s sea stories and it made me want to join the Navy,” said Williams. “I also have uncles in the military and wanted to follow in their footsteps. I felt like expectations were set really high for me by my family members and grandfather, and I really needed to show up. He was the first person I called about it, and I plan on just pushing further.”

George Washington, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, is currently one of only 10 aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy. It is the sixth Nimitz-class carrier and the fourth Navy vessel named after the first president of the United States.

According to Navy officials, an aircraft carrier is a warship that serves as a seagoing airbase, equipped with a full-length flight deck and facilities for carrying, arming, deploying, and recovering aircraft. Carriers are capital ships of a fleet, that allows a naval force to project air power worldwide without depending on local bases for staging aircraft operations.
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Williams is most proud of being recognized by his leadership for his work ethic.
“I was noticed by both my leading chief petty officer and leading petty officer and was put on the V-1 discrepancy team,” said Williams. “In November, they told me they liked my hard work and work ethic, and put me on this team.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Williams, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“When I first got here it was just about fulfilling my family’s legacy but since I’ve gotten here, it’s more about proving to myself how far I can make it,” added Williams.