Queensland Police Help Shepherd US Aircraft Carrier Into Brisbane Port

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington tied up in Brisbane, Australia, on Friday, its second trip there in two years and the last for the vessel before it’s replaced by its sister ship, USS Ronald Reagan. The Queensland Police documented their role in the aircraft carrier’s arrival in Brisbane port in this video.

The community is said to be eagerly welcoming the George Washington, which left its home port at the US Navy’s base in Yokosuka, Japan in mid-May. Tourist businesses are enjoying a “mini-boom,” the Brisbane Courier-Mail reported.

As many as 90 aircraft can be based on board the George Washington, the fourth ship in the US Navy to bear that name. Due to budget considerations, it’s not clear whether the George Washington will be drydocked for a $3 billion overhaul and refueling of its reactors, or decommissioned with the Ronald Reagan to take its place.

Downs said the George Washington docked with a significant security presence not seen in the video, with armed police in the area where he took the footage and gunboats on the water. Credit: YouTube/Queensland Police