NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — 10 On Your Side recently learned of a big change aboard locally-based aircraft carrier USS George Washington.

After almost three years as the commanding officer, and more than 30 years in the Navy, Capt. Brent Gaut is retiring.

“Having the honor and privilege to command our great nation’s premier CVN has been the highlight of my career, not only because of all we have accomplished together as a warship in the past two and half years, but the unbreakable bond we have created as a team,” Gaut said.
“I am exceptionally proud of each and every one of our mighty Warfighters aboard GW, and feel so blessed to forever be a part of the GW family.”

The Navy said Gaut “revitalized the crew and the combat readiness of George Washington through the redelivery of the carrier back to the fleet in 2023, following a mid-life refueling and complex overhaul.”

During that time in the shipyard, the crew experienced a series of suicides.

Back in October, 10 On Your Side’s Marielena Balouris spent time onboard George Washington and spoke with Gaut. He said getting out of the shipyard boosted morale and changed the dynamic.

Capt. Tim Waits from Alabama is taking over command of George Washington. Waits previously served as the commanding officer of USS Blue Ridge.

“It is an honor to take command of the mighty George Washington as we prepare for a pivotal year to become the Navy’s only forward deployed carrier later this year,” Waits said. “There are a lot of challenges ahead of us, but our team is ready to take them head on.”

The carrier will soon leave for Japan, which will become its new homeport.

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