Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Aiden Plette, from Marietta, California, assigned to weapons department’s ship’s weapons systems division onboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), hits a bag with a baton during security reaction force basic training after being sprayed with oleoresin capsicum (OC) at Purdy Fitness Center on Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, April 15, 2025. George Washington is 7th Fleet’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside Allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class August Clawson)
YOKOSUKA, JAPAN – Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Aiden Plette engaged in a tough training exercise on April 15. Originally from Murrieta, Plette is assigned to the ship's weapons systems division aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).
During basic training for the ship’s security reaction force, he was sprayed with oleoresin capsicum—commonly known as OC spray. Eyes burning, adrenaline high, he pushed through the pain and struck a bag with a baton. The training took place at the Purdy Fitness Center on Commander, Fleet Activities, Yokosuka, Japan.
The USS George Washington is the U.S. 7th Fleet’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier. It serves as a powerful symbol of America’s enduring commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Op
