THE TENSION: Photo Essay: Former President Bush Visits Namesake Aircraft Carrier

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.)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 26, 2009) Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush watches from "Barbara" a specially painted tow-tractor as an F/A-18F Super Hornet is catapulted off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS GEORGE H.W. Bush (CVN 77). Bush, the aircraft carrier's namesake, was aboard 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.)

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.)

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-18E Super Hornet 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 1st Class Demetrius L. Patton.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

Focus on Defense:

USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH, At Sea, May 27, 2009 -- 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.

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