Former President Bush Visits Namesake Aircraft Carrier(Photo thread)

United States Navy ^ | 27 May 2009 | USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

[A.A. Cunningham]

Former President Bush Visits Namesake Aircraft Carrier
Story Number: NNS090527-04
Release Date: 5/27/2009 10:50:00 AM

From USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) namesake -- former President George H.W. Bush -- and the ship's sponsor visited the Navy's newest aircraft carrier May 26-27 to observe flight operations during the ship's underway period in the Atlantic Ocean.

"It is the greatest honor of my life to be the [ship's] sponsor, so thank you for letting me have that opportunity," said Doro Bush Koch, the former president's daughter and ship's sponsor.

"This is the greatest ship in our Navy and I am proud to be associated with it."

This was the first time President Bush has embarked the ship that bears his name while underway. The carrier is completing flight deck certification off the coast of Virginia which included the first aircraft to be catapulted from the ship's flight deck and the first arrested landing aboard.

"It is a great thrill for Doro and me to be out here on this beautiful day at sea. I'm so impressed, not just with the machinery or with the pilots, but with the men and women of this crew," said President Bush or "41" as the crew affectionately refers to the 41st president of the United States.

"It's just wonderful seeing the spirit on this ship. We are grateful for your service to our great country."

In addition to observing catapult launches and arrested landings on the flight deck, the former president - a decorated World War II naval aviator - and his daughter met with the Sailors on board.

"I was so happy I got to shake his hand, I've always wanted to do that," said Seaman Derrick Chaves. "It makes me feel special because no other ships get to have their namesake on board. It brought my morale up."

The aircraft carrier was commissioned Jan. 10.

For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/.

[A.A. Cunningham]

090526-N-1981M-398 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 26, 2009) Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and Capt. Bob Roth, executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) watch a jet catapult off the flight deck during flight operations. The former president visited the Navy's newest aircraft carrier to observe flight operations during the ship's underway period in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Dominique J. Moore/Released)

090526-N-1981M-585 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 26, 2009) Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and Capt. Bob Roth, executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) speak with Sailors assigned to the "Red Rippers" of Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 11 aboard George H.W. Bush. The former President visited the Navy's newest aircraft carrier to observe flight operations during the ship's underway period in the Atlantic. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Dominique J. Moore/Released

090526-N-1981M-126 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 26, 2009) Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and his daughter, Doro Bush Koch, walk across the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). Bush and his daughter are aboard to observe flight operations during the ship's underway period in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Dominique J. Moore/Released)

090526-N-6125G-111 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 26, 2009) Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and Capt. Bob Roth, executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) watch as an F/A-18F Super Hornet from Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 211 launches from George H.W. Bush. The aircraft carrier is underway for flight deck certification in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric S. Garst/Released)

090526-N-7656T-015 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 26, 2009) Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and Capt. Bob Roth, executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) watch as an F/A-18F Super Hornet is launched during flight operations. Bush, the aircraft carrier's namesake, was on hand to watch flight deck operations, fulfilling a wish he made in 2006 at the ship's christening. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Tackitt/Released)

[ConservativeMan55]

bttt

[commish]

Great Pictures. Thanks.

[Domandred]

That’s the only reason I would ever want to be President.
Getting a US Navy Aircraft Carrier named after me.

[blf1776]

Nice!!!!

What will the Navy name after zero?

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

Great pictures! Thanks for posting.

[unkus]

A -hit barge.

[MHGinTN]

Anchors about to be disposed of?

[Moose4]

I like how they painted that tug up like Bush’s TBM Avenger (right down to the “Barbara” on the front fender).

That ship is a fitting tribute to a brave Naval aviator and a man who’s led an extraordinary life. I sure haven’t agreed with George H.W. Bush a lot of the time, but I respect the hell out of him.

}:-)4

[Drill Thrawl]

USS Clueless

USS Present

USS Usurper

[BlueNgold]

For those who are wondering - the push truck has been decorated to honor President Bush’s (41) aircraft and carrier from his days as a Naval Aviator in WWII.

VT-51 was Avenger squadron (he was an Avenger pilot)

CVL-30 - USS San Jacinto was his ship

[hiramknight]

“What will the Navy name after zero?”

SS Minow?

[ArrogantBustard]

“LTJG BUSH” painted in the ... uhh ... “cockpit” of the push truck.

[ArrogantBustard]

“LTJG BUSH” painted in the ... uhh ... “cockpit” of the push truck.

[ArrogantBustard]

Also, push driver’s helmet bears the number “41”.

[Rummyfan]

Great pics thanks!

[Rummyfan]

Great pics thanks!

[Churchillspirit]

Thanks for a few moments of sanity.

[Drill Thrawl]

USS Dunsel

[Non-Sequitur]

What will the Navy name after zero?

An aircraft carrier, of course. They might even wait until he's out of office before they commission it.