An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron 27, left, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington while an EA-18G Growler from the "Shadowhawks" of Electronic Attack Squadron 141 taxis on. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.