Aircraft Carrier USS George HW Bush Certified for Flight Ops

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.)

Focus on Defense:

USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH, At Sea, May 29, 2009 -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) reached another milestone when she successfully completed her first flight deck certification May 26.

An aircraft carrier's flight deck certification is a two-part certification that ensures the crew can safely and effectively conduct independent flight operations.

The Navy's newest aircraft carrier, along with the aircraft and personnel of Carrier Air Wing 1 and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 safely completed 695 catapult launches and arrested landings while underway in the Atlantic Ocean May 18-29. The event was evaluated by Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic and received a stamp of approval.

According to Capt. Jeffrey Austin, George H.W. Bush air boss, it was hard work, dedication and can-do attitude that achieved this certification.

"This is a significant milestone in the history of our ship," said Austin. "I couldn't be more pleased."

George H.W. Bush, homeported at Naval Station Norfolk is the 10th and final Nimitz-class carrier. She was commissioned Jan. 10 at Naval Station Norfolk.

(Report from a USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs news release.)

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