Capt. Michael S. White, Commander Carrier Air Wing (CVW) made his 1000th “trap” on the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN 73).

“I was very humbled. The privilege of getting 1,000 traps is a testament to our Sailors professionalism and the way they do their jobs right every day.” said Capt. Michael S. White.

George Washington’s Commanding Officer, Capt. David A. Lausman, was on the flight deck to congratulate White afterwards. After his trap, White was quick to thank the professionals on and below the flight deck who make naval aviation possible.

“I couldn’t have stopped today, or any of the previous 999 times, without an arresting gear team that knew exactly what they were doing, because there is little room for error,” White said.

White shared his moment at a reception and cake-cutting ceremony in one of George Washington’s arresting gear machinery rooms. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Equipment 3rd Class John Ray was touched to get the first piece of cake, which traditionally would go to White.

White rejoined CVW 5 as Deputy Commander in September 2006 and assumed command in May 2008. He has made 10 deployments on seven different aircraft carriers, including George Washington, the Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed carrier.

The George Washington is underway in the western Pacific Ocean conducting its combat operations efficiency evaluation and advanced cyclic flight operations in preparation for its scheduled summer 2009 deployment.

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