The US Navy's nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) breaks away from the Navy's conventional carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66) for operations in the Adriatic Sea, following turnover operations in the Mediterranean. George Washington, commanded by US Navy Captain Malcolm P. Branch, assumed duties as part of Battle Force Sixth Fleet, while America prepared her return to their homeport of Norfolk, Virginia, following a highly successful six-month deployment that included operations in the Adriatic in support of NATO peace Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR