Supercarrier Future USS George HW Bush Preps for Commissioning

In this 2006 file photo, Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard workers flood the drydock where the future USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) was berthed. (Photo by Mr. John Whalen courtesy Northrop Grumman Ship Building.)

Focus on Defense:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2008 -- The future USS George H.W. Bush, (CVN-77), will transit from the Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News shipyard to Norfolk Naval Station on Dec. 22.

This transit will enable the ship to begin preparation for its commissioning on Jan. 10, 2009. Following commissioning, USS George H.W. Bush will remain at Norfolk Naval Station to prepare for builder's and acceptance trials in early 2009.

"The ship and its crew have worked and trained hard and are on course for commissioning and delivery", said Capt. Frank Simei, program manager for in-service aircraft carriers.

"As the most powerful warship in the world USS George H.W. Bush will be a tremendous asset to our nation over its fifty years of planned service."

Congress authorized construction of the future USS George H.W. Bush in the Fiscal Year 1998 National Defense Authorization Act. The ship was laid down on Sept. 6, 2003, and christened on Oct. 9, 2006 by Dorothy Bush Koch, daughter of the ship's namesake.

George H.W. Bush is the 10th and final ship of the Nimitz class and incorporates major improvements from her predecessors, including a bulbous bow, redesigned island, composite mast and three-wire arresting gear configuration.

The future USS George H.W. Bush is commanded by Capt. Kevin O'Flaherty.

(Report from a Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs news release.)

Tags: DOD, Military, Focus On Defense, United States, U.S., Open Thread
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Buzz, Tension