Following turnover with , the Battle Group proceeded directly to the Adriatic to conduct operations in support of Operation Deny Flight and Sharp Guard. In response to aggressive Iraqi troop movements south towards Kuwait, the "George Washington" Battle Group transited the Suez Canal at maximum speed. Persian Gulf Operations Vigilant and Southern Watch were resumed on 15 October 1994. After Iraqi forces turned north and tensions eased, the Battle Group returned to the Mediterranean Sea. Turnover with the IKE Battle Group took place north of the Suez Canal and USS "George Washington"/CVW-7 returned to a rainy Norfolk on 17 November 1994.