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USS George Washington's 'Gun Boss' explains weapons readiness amid Iran tensions

The Wall Street Journal goes below deck with Commander Brian Garcia as the carrier takes on ammunition in the Arabian Sea.

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The Wall Street Journal Story of October 31, 2026Trari Newsroom

Why this story? One of The Wall Street Journal's most watched videos since yesterday, with 103,933 views.

The ‘Gun Boss’ on U.S. Carrier Preparing for Possible Iran Escalation

Helicopters lower cargo onto the flight deck of USS George Washington while sailors move munitions through the carrier. In The Wall Street Journal's report, the replenishment includes standoff missiles and bunker-buster bombs as American commanders prepare for possible escalation in the war against Iran.

National security correspondent Shelby Holliday follows Commander Brian Garcia, the ship's weapons officer, known aboard as the "Gun Boss." He describes replenishment at sea as a simultaneous transfer of fuel, supplies and ammunition, keeping the carrier supplied without returning to port.

Below deck, Garcia shows Holliday munitions mounted on wheeled skids, ready to move when a mission calls for them. Weapon elevators carry ammunition up toward the flight deck. He identifies one bomb as a GBU-31(V)4, designed to penetrate hard targets.

The report drew about 104,000 views since yesterday. Its focus is the work behind the carrier's readiness, rather than an announcement of a new strike.

When Holliday asks how operations change during a ramp-up, Garcia rejects the premise that his department needs to shift into a higher state of preparation: "We don't need to ramp up because we're already prepared."

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