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'''USS ''George H.W. Bush'' (CVN-77)''' is the tenth and last [[Nimitz class aircraft carrier|''Nimitz'' class]] [[supercarrier]] of the [[United States Navy]].<ref Name="NavyNews12182008"/> She is named for former [[President of the United States|President]] [[George H. W. Bush]], who was a [[naval aviator]] during [[World War II]].
'''USS ''George H.W. Bush'' (CVN-77)''' is the tenth and final [[Nimitz class aircraft carrier|''Nimitz'' class]] [[supercarrier]] of the [[United States Navy]].<ref Name="NavyNews12182008"/> She is named for the 41st [[President of the United States|President of the United States]] [[George H. W. Bush]], who was a [[naval aviator]] during [[World War II]]. ''Bush's'' [[callsign]] is ''Avenger'', after the [[TBM Avenger]] aircraft flown by then-Lieutenant George Bush in WWII. Construction began in 2001 by the [[Northrop Grumman Newport News]] shipyard, at a cost of $6.2 billion <ref name="dailypress">[http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-local_bush_1218dec18,0,7589451.story/ "Ready or not, Navy to get carrier"] ''Googlesightseeing.com''</ref> and was completed in 2009. She is homeported at [[Naval Station Norfolk]], Virginia.


==Ship's seal==
She is the second United States aircraft carrier to be named after a naval aviator ({{USS|Forrestal|CV-59|2}} was the first). Other naval vessels named for aviators include [[frigate]]s {{USS|McClusky|FFG-41|2}} and {{USS|Thach|FFG-43|2}}, and [[destroyer]] {{USS|Massey|DD-778|2}}, all named for aviators who commanded formations in the [[Battle of Midway]]. ''George H.W. Bush'' is also the second aircraft carrier, following [[USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)|''Ronald Reagan'']], to be named after a living former President (the USS ''Reagan'' was christened in 2001 while President Reagan was still living). A ''Nimitz'' class ship, ''George H.&nbsp;W. Bush'' differs from her predecessors even more than CVNs 71–76 did from CVNs 68–70.<ref name="Design Enhancements">{{cite web|url=http://www.nn.northropgrumman.com/bush/design_enhancements.html|title=Design Enhancements|accessdate=2009-07-03}}</ref>
[[Image:CVN-77 insignia.png|thumb|300px|left]]
Each element of the seal is significant for its relevance to the ship’s namesake, naval aviation, naval service, and the nation. There are six prominent features of the seal, beginning with the 41 white stars, symbolizing the ship’s namesake (the 41st President). The rays of light that appear on the seal’s horizon represent Bush’s concept of a "thousand points of light", wherein he urged Americans to find meaning and reward by serving a purpose higher than themselves, The graphic depiction of the aircraft carrier reflects the carrier as both a symbol and instrument of American strength as “a force for good.” Above the carrier are overhead profiles of a TBM Avenger torpedo bomber (representing Bush’s days as a Navy pilot), an FA-18 Hornet strike fighter, and an [[F-35 Lightning II]].


Foiled anchors and shields, centered on naval aviators wings, honor the ship’s namesake’s aviation history.
==Early history==
Finally, the motto “Freedom at Work” is adapted from Bush’s inaugural speech, during which he said, “We know what works: Freedom works. We know what’s right: Freedom is right.”
Construction began in 2001 by the [[Northrop Grumman Newport News]] shipyard, at a cost of $6.2 billion.<ref name="dailypress">[http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-local_bush_1218dec18,0,7589451.story/ "Ready or not, Navy to get carrier"] ''Googlesightseeing.com''</ref> The aircraft carrier was christened on 7 October 2006, and delivery was set for late 2008.<ref Name="NavyNews12182008"/> She left Northrop Grumman Ship Building for the first time on 23 December 2008 and was commissioned 10 January 2009 at [[Norfolk Naval Station]]<ref name="NewCarrier">{{cite news|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2009/01/carrier-awaits-call-come-life-ceremony-today|title=Carrier awaits a call to come to life in ceremony today|last=Jones|first=Matthew|date=2009-01-10|work=The Virginian Pilot|publisher=Landmark Communications|accessdate=2009-01-10}}</ref>
prior to her completion. The carrier completed her acceptance sea trials on 10 April 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44191|title=Navy's Newest Carrier Successfully Completes Acceptance Sea Trials|date=2009-04-09|publisher=[[United States Navy]]|accessdate=2009-04-13}}</ref> and was delivered to the Navy on May 11.<ref>[http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45176 Navy Takes Delivery of Aircraft Carrier George H.W. Bush]</ref> The first fixed-wing flight made history May 19, 2009, after safely landing an [[F/A-18F Super Hornet]]. The Hornet was flown by Lt. Patrick McKenna and Cmdr. Beau Duarte, from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. And, the first arrested landing, known as a "trap," was made at 2:07 p.m.EDT.<ref>[http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45421 US Navy: First Flight on CVN-77]</ref> This launch and trap is part of the flight deck certification process going on in the Atlantic Ocean.<ref>[http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn77history.htm UScarrier.net May 19, 2009 News]</ref>


==Description==
''George H.&nbsp;W. Bush'' is the final ''Nimitz'' class aircraft carrier with the [[Gerald R. Ford class aircraft carrier|''Gerald R. Ford'' class of aircraft carriers]] succeeding the ''Nimitz'' class.

== Features of CVN-77 ==
: ''Section ref: Global''<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/cvn-77.htm Global Security: ''Features of CVN 77 Concept Design'']</ref>
: ''Section ref: Global''<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/cvn-77.htm Global Security: ''Features of CVN 77 Concept Design'']</ref>
''Bush'' stretches 1,092 feet and weighs 97,000 tons, making it one of the world’s largest warships. Its top speed exceeds 30 knots and powered with two nuclear reactors, it will operate for more than 20 years without refueling.
Several features differentiate CVN-77 from other ships in the ''Nimitz'' class. The island is smaller to improve flight deck access and reduce signature and electronic self-interference. Curved flight deck edges and an enclosed antenna farms also reduce radar signature. The hull is made more efficient with new coatings and a bulbous bow, which also adds buoyancy. The ship has a new propeller design.<ref>[http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=165151 Northrop Grumman Press Release, May 11, 2009]</ref> The passive jet blast deflector has been redesigned with materials that reduce maintenance. Semi-automated refueling and servicing with a new deck location provides faster, more efficient air wing pit stops and requires fewer people. The redesigned [[Hangar|hangar]] bay has less clutter. New electronics and communications technology, space rearrangement, operational procedure changes, advanced sensor technologies and condition-based maintenance systems reduce manning costs. A new zonal electrical distribution system will keep problems from affecting other parts of the ship. An automation insertion plan consisting of material movement devices, semi-autonomous, gravity compensated weapons handling devices, damage control automation systems and components will reduce the ship's crew and costs. Other improvements will include Vacuum Collection / Marine Sanitation Device (VC/MSD): Most ships in the U.S. Navy utilize a Collection Holding and Transfer (CHT) system to handle sewage waste. Several ships add a vacuum collection capacity or VCHT. [[Septic Tank|Septic systems]], when used aboard ships, are referred to as Marine Sanitation Devices, often used in [[United States Coast Guard|U.S. Coast Guard]] ships. ''Bush'' is the first and only aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy to combine the two technologies. The "VC/MSD" system onboard CVN 77 is one of a kind. The next class of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are likely to use [[plasma arc waste disposal]] systems.
Several features differentiate CVN-77 from other ships in the ''Nimitz'' class. <ref name="Design Enhancements">{{cite web|url=http://www.nn.northropgrumman.com/bush/design_enhancements.html|title=Design Enhancements|accessdate=2009-07-03}}</ref>
===Hull===
New hull design features<ref>[http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=165151 Northrop Grumman Press Release, May 11, 2009]</ref> include a new propeller design, a new bulbous bow design that provides more buoyancy to the forward end of the ship and improves hull efficiency, curved flight deck edges to reduce radar signature, a new underwater hull-coating system, deck covering modernized to reduce ship weight by 100 tons, low Solar Absorptive and Anti-Stain Paint, and a redesigned [[Hangar|hangar]] bay that has less clutter.
===Island===
⚫
[[File:USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) island landing.jpg|thumb|left|Placing the 700-ton island onto the ship’s flight deck in 2006]]
''Bush'' is the second carrier to have a modernized island, which includes a new radar tower (enclosed to reduce radar signature), navigation system upgrades, communication systems enhancements, and transparent armor windows. The island is smaller to improve flight deck access and reduce signature and electronic self-interference.
===Air operations===
New air operations design features include an updated aviation-fuel storage and distribution system, semi-automated refueling and servicing with new deck locations to provides faster, more efficient aircraft pit stops, requiring fewer people, modernized aircraft launch and recovery equipment, and redesigned jet blast deflectors.
===Environmental===
Environmental upgrades have also been designed into the ship, including a Vacuum Collection / Marine Sanitation Device (VC/MSD), a new marine sewage system that uses fresh water in lieu of sea water for lower maintenance costs. Most ships in the U.S. Navy utilize a Collection Holding and Transfer (CHT) system to handle sewage waste. Several ships add a vacuum collection capacity or VCHT. [[Septic Tank|Septic systems]], when used aboard ships, are referred to as Marine Sanitation Devices, often used in [[United States Coast Guard|U.S. Coast Guard]] ships. ''Bush'' is the first and only aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy to combine the two technologies.
===Electronics and communications===
New electronics and communications technology, space rearrangement, operational procedure changes, advanced sensor technologies and maintenance systems have been incorporated to reduce manning costs. A new zonal electrical distribution system will keep problems from affecting other parts of the ship. Automated material movement devices, semi-autonomous, gravity compensated weapons handling devices, damage control automation systems and components have also been installed. Medical and dental equipment have been upgraded, integrated display screens in Damage Control Central have been modernized to improve data integration and display, and equipment in general shops has been modernized to improve productivity.
==Namesake==
[[File:TBF GeorgeBush.jpg|thumb|left|LTJG George Bush in a TBM Avenger in WWII]]
At age 18, George H. W. Bush became the Navy's youngest pilot when he received his Naval Aviator wings and naval commission. He flew torpedo bombers off the [[USS San Jacinto]] on active duty from August 1942 to September 1945 during World War II. On September 2, 1944, during a mission over the Pacific, Japanese anti-aircraft fire hit his plane. The Navy submarine, [[USS Finback]], rescued him. He was awarded the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]] and three [[Air Medal]]s for courageous service in the [[Pacific Theater]].
USS ''George H.W. Bush'' is the second United States [[aircraft carrier]] to be named after a naval aviator ({{USS|Forrestal|CV-59|2}} was the first) and the second, following [[USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)|''Ronald Reagan'']], to be named after a living former President (''Reagan'' was christened in 2001 while President Reagan was still living).


==Commanding Officers==
==Ship's history==
[[File:USS George H. W. Bush.JPG|thumb|left|Pentagon naming ceremony in 2001]]
{{Unreferencedsection|date=September 2009}}
The contract to build CVN-77 was awarded to [[Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Newport News]] on January 26, 2001. A naming ceremony was held on December 9, 2002 at [[the Pentagon]], with Former President George H.W. Bush attending. The Honorable [[Gordon England]], [[Secretary of the Navy]], presided at a ceremony.
{| class=wikitable
|-
!rowspan="2"| #
!rowspan="2"| Name
!colspan="2"| Term of Office
|-
! Start
! End
|-
|1
⚫
| [[Captain (United States)|CAPT]] Kevin E. O'Flaherty
| 2006
| [[February 25]] [[2009]]
|-
|2
⚫
| CAPT DeWolfe H. Miller III
| [[February 25]] [[2009]]
| Present
|}


==Gallery==
===Construction===
The [[Keel]] Laying ceremony was on September 6, 2003, with Former President George H. W. Bush serving as the keynote speaker. Former First Lady [[Barbara Bush]] also attended with their daughter, Doro Bush Koch, the ship's sponsor. The former President authenticated the keel by chalking his initials onto a metal plate. His initials were then welded onto the plate, which was permanently affixed to the ship.
<gallery>
Image:GHW_Bush_CVN_77_Carrier.JPG|The USS ''George H. W. Bush'' shortly after being released from dry dock for the first time
[[Image:GHW_Bush_CVN_77_Carrier.JPG|thumb|USS ''George H. W. Bush'' shortly after being released from dry dock for the first time]]
The ship was modularly constructed, where large sections are assembled and then lifted into place using a large crane. Major milestones in the construction include the bow placement in March 2005, followed by the Island placement on July 8, 2006. The 700-ton island was lifted onto the flight deck in a ceremony called “stepping the mast,” which dates from antiquity and consists of placing coins or other items of significance under the step or bottom of a ship’s mast during construction.
⚫
File:USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) island landing.jpg|Placing the 700-ton island onto the ship’s flight deck in 2006

File:USS George H. W. Bush 1.jpg|Former President [[George H.W. Bush]] presents a long glass to the First Officer of the Deck to set the first watch Saturday, during commissioning ceremonies for the USS George H.W. Bush
Since at least the construction of [[USS Constitution]] in the 1790s, this tradition has been passed on as a symbol of good luck for U.S. Navy ships. George H. W. Bush participated in the event, placing his naval aviator wings underneath the island during the ceremony.
⚫
File:USS George H. W. Bush 2.jpg|Guests and U.S. Navy personnel at the commissioning ceremony , Jan 10 2009

⚫
File:USS George H. W. Bush 4.jpg|George H. W. Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush depart the ship following the commissioning ceremony
''George H. W. Bush'' was [[Ship naming and launching|christened]] on October 7, 2006. <ref Name="NavyNews12182008"/> Former President George H. W. Bush attended the ceremony and became the first president in history to participate in the christening of his namesake ship. President [[George W. Bush]] also attended and honored his father during the ceremony as a special guest speaker. Other officials participating in the ceremony included [[Secretary of Defense]] [[Donald Rumsfeld]], Secretary of the Navy [[Donald Winter]]; Virginia Senators [[John Warner]] and [[George Allen]], Virginia Gov. [[Tim Kaine]], and [[Chief of Naval Operations]] Admiral [[Michael Mullen]].
</gallery>

Other construction milestones included catapult system testing on the ship's flight deck on Jan. 25, 2008. Former President George H.W. Bush signaled the launch of two "dead loads" off the deck of the carrier.
Dead loads are large, wheeled, steel vessels weighing up to 80,000 pounds, simulating the weight of actual aircraft.<ref>http://www.nn.northropgrumman.com/news/2008/012508.html</ref><ref>http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34587</ref>

On Aug. 11, 2008, the Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) crew moved aboard the ship, the first meals served in the galley, the U.S. flag was raised on fantail for the first time, and the first watches were set.<ref>http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39065</ref>

''Bush'' left Northrop Grumman Ship Building for the first time on 23 December 2008, proceeding a few miles down river to Norfolk Naval Station.

===Commissioning===
⚫
[[File:USS George H. W. Bush 2.jpg|thumb|Guests and U.S. Navy personnel at the commissioning ceremony , Jan 10 2009]]
⚫
[[File:USS George H. W. Bush 4.jpg|thumb|George H. W. Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush depart the ship following the commissioning ceremony]]
USS ''George H.W. Bush'' was commissioned 10 January 2009 at [[Norfolk Naval Station]]<ref name="NewCarrier">{{cite news|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2009/01/carrier-awaits-call-come-life-ceremony-today|title=Carrier awaits a call to come to life in ceremony today|last=Jones|first=Matthew|date=2009-01-10|work=The Virginian Pilot|publisher=Landmark Communications|accessdate=2009-01-10}}</ref> prior to her official delivery to the Navy. 15,000 people attended, including veterans of the [[USS San Jacinto]], the ship George Bush served on during WWII. President George W. Bush delivered the principal address, George H. W. Bush set the first watch, and ship's sponsor Dorothy "Doro" Bush Koch gave the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!" A Grumman TBM Avernger like the one then-Lieutenant junior grade George Bush flew in WWII performed a fly-over.
Northrop Grumman Corporation Builder's sea trials were completed on Feb. 16, 2009, providing an opportunity to test systems, components and compartments at sea for the first time. The trials included high-speed runs and a demonstration of the carrier's other capabilities. <ref>http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=159708</ref> Following builder's trials, the ship underwent acceptance trials on 10 April 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44191|title=Navy's Newest Carrier Successfully Completes Acceptance Sea Trials|date=2009-04-09|publisher=[[United States Navy]]|accessdate=2009-04-13}}</ref>, conducted by representatives of the U.S. Navy Board of Inspection and Survey, to test and evaluate the ship's systems and performance.
===Delivery and shakedown===
''Bush'' was officially delivered to the Navy on May 11, 2009.<ref>[http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45176 Navy Takes Delivery of Aircraft Carrier George H.W. Bush]</ref>

The first fixed-wing flights were conducted on May 19, 2009 when [[F/A-18 Super Hornet]]s from [[VX-23|Air Test and Evaluation Squadron]] at [[Naval Air Station Patuxent River]], Maryland began [[flight deck]] certification, which tests a carriers ability to conduct [[Modern US Navy carrier air operations]].
<ref>[http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45421 US Navy: First Flight on CVN-77]</ref>
<ref>[http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn77history.htm UScarrier.net May 19, 2009 News]</ref>
On May 26, 2009, Former President George H.W. Bush and his daughter, Doro Bush Koch, flew aboard the carrier to observe flight operations during the ship's underway period in the Atlantic Ocean. USS ''George H.W. Bush'' successfully completed her first flight deck certification on that day.<ref>http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45793</ref>
''George H. W. Bush'' returned to Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard on June 18, 2009 for post-delivery maintenance work, also known as the ship's post shakedown availability (PSA). A PSA is a typical availability in the early life of a carrier that allows the Navy and builder to resolve any items that came up during trials and delivery and make any last-minute changes and upgrades. Work includes the installation of a [[Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat]] (RHIB) handling system and a new fresh water purification system. Other changes include compartment reconfigurations, combat system and radar equipment upgrades, and minor repairs. The work is scheduled to last through early 2010. <ref>http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=167577</ref>

==Commanding Officers==
⚫
*[[Captain (United States)|CAPT]] Kevin E. O'Flaherty, 2006-2009
<ref>http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=42726</ref>
⚫
*CAPT DeWolfe H. Miller III, 2009-


==References==
==References==
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[[zh:喬治·H·W·布希號航空母艦]]
[[zh:喬治•H•W•布希號航空母艦]]

Revision as of 18:20, 30 September 2009

History
United States
NameUSS George H.W. Bush
NamesakeGeorge H. W. Bush
Ordered26 January 2001
Awarded26 January 2001
BuilderNorthrop Grumman Newport News[1]
Cost$6.2 billion[2]
Laid down6 September 2003[1]
Sponsored byDorothy Bush Koch[1]
Christened9 October 2006[1]
Launched9 October 2006
Commissioned10 January 2009[3]
HomeportNorfolk, Virginia
MottoFreedom at Work
Nickname(s)Avenger
StatusTemplate:Ship fate box active in service[3]
Badge
General characteristics
Class and typeNimitz-class aircraft carrier
DisplacementTemplate:Nimitz class aircraft carrier displacement
Length
  • Overall: 1,092 feet (332.8 m)
  • Waterline: 1,040 feet (317.0 m)
Beam
  • Overall: 252 ft (76.8 m)
  • Waterline: 134 ft (40.8 m)
Draft
  • Maximum navigational: 37 feet (11.3 m)
  • Limit: 41 feet (12.5 m)
Propulsion
Speed30+ knots (56+ km/h; 35+ mph)[6]
RangeUnlimited distance; 20–25 years
Complement
  • Ship's company: 3,532
  • Air wing: 2,480
Sensors and
processing systems
  • SPS-48E 3-D air search radar
  • SPS-49A(V)1 2-D air search radar
  • SPQ-9B fire control radar
  • 2 × SPN-46 air traffic control radars
  • SPN-43C air traffic control radar
  • SPN-41 instrument landing system radar
  • 3 × Mk 91 NSSM guidance systems
  • 3 × Mk 95 radars
Electronic warfare
& decoys
Armamentlist error: <br /> list (help)
2 × Mk 29 ESSM launcher
2 × RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile
ArmorUnknown
Aircraft carried90 fixed wing and helicopters

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) is the tenth and final Nimitz class supercarrier of the United States Navy.[1] She is named for the 41st President of the United States George H. W. Bush, who was a naval aviator during World War II. Bush's callsign is Avenger, after the TBM Avenger aircraft flown by then-Lieutenant George Bush in WWII. Construction began in 2001 by the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard, at a cost of $6.2 billion [2] and was completed in 2009. She is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.

Ship's seal

Each element of the seal is significant for its relevance to the ship’s namesake, naval aviation, naval service, and the nation. There are six prominent features of the seal, beginning with the 41 white stars, symbolizing the ship’s namesake (the 41st President). The rays of light that appear on the seal’s horizon represent Bush’s concept of a "thousand points of light", wherein he urged Americans to find meaning and reward by serving a purpose higher than themselves, The graphic depiction of the aircraft carrier reflects the carrier as both a symbol and instrument of American strength as “a force for good.” Above the carrier are overhead profiles of a TBM Avenger torpedo bomber (representing Bush’s days as a Navy pilot), an FA-18 Hornet strike fighter, and an F-35 Lightning II.

Foiled anchors and shields, centered on naval aviators wings, honor the ship’s namesake’s aviation history. Finally, the motto “Freedom at Work” is adapted from Bush’s inaugural speech, during which he said, “We know what works: Freedom works. We know what’s right: Freedom is right.”

Description

Section ref: Global[7]

Bush stretches 1,092 feet and weighs 97,000 tons, making it one of the world’s largest warships. Its top speed exceeds 30 knots and powered with two nuclear reactors, it will operate for more than 20 years without refueling. Several features differentiate CVN-77 from other ships in the Nimitz class. [8]

Hull

New hull design features[9] include a new propeller design, a new bulbous bow design that provides more buoyancy to the forward end of the ship and improves hull efficiency, curved flight deck edges to reduce radar signature, a new underwater hull-coating system, deck covering modernized to reduce ship weight by 100 tons, low Solar Absorptive and Anti-Stain Paint, and a redesigned hangar bay that has less clutter.

Island

Placing the 700-ton island onto the ship’s flight deck in 2006

Bush is the second carrier to have a modernized island, which includes a new radar tower (enclosed to reduce radar signature), navigation system upgrades, communication systems enhancements, and transparent armor windows. The island is smaller to improve flight deck access and reduce signature and electronic self-interference.

Air operations

New air operations design features include an updated aviation-fuel storage and distribution system, semi-automated refueling and servicing with new deck locations to provides faster, more efficient aircraft pit stops, requiring fewer people, modernized aircraft launch and recovery equipment, and redesigned jet blast deflectors.

Environmental

Environmental upgrades have also been designed into the ship, including a Vacuum Collection / Marine Sanitation Device (VC/MSD), a new marine sewage system that uses fresh water in lieu of sea water for lower maintenance costs. Most ships in the U.S. Navy utilize a Collection Holding and Transfer (CHT) system to handle sewage waste. Several ships add a vacuum collection capacity or VCHT. Septic systems, when used aboard ships, are referred to as Marine Sanitation Devices, often used in U.S. Coast Guard ships. Bush is the first and only aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy to combine the two technologies.

Electronics and communications

New electronics and communications technology, space rearrangement, operational procedure changes, advanced sensor technologies and maintenance systems have been incorporated to reduce manning costs. A new zonal electrical distribution system will keep problems from affecting other parts of the ship. Automated material movement devices, semi-autonomous, gravity compensated weapons handling devices, damage control automation systems and components have also been installed. Medical and dental equipment have been upgraded, integrated display screens in Damage Control Central have been modernized to improve data integration and display, and equipment in general shops has been modernized to improve productivity.

Namesake

LTJG George Bush in a TBM Avenger in WWII

At age 18, George H. W. Bush became the Navy's youngest pilot when he received his Naval Aviator wings and naval commission. He flew torpedo bombers off the USS San Jacinto on active duty from August 1942 to September 1945 during World War II. On September 2, 1944, during a mission over the Pacific, Japanese anti-aircraft fire hit his plane. The Navy submarine, USS Finback, rescued him. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals for courageous service in the Pacific Theater. USS George H.W. Bush is the second United States aircraft carrier to be named after a naval aviator (Forrestal was the first) and the second, following Ronald Reagan, to be named after a living former President (Reagan was christened in 2001 while President Reagan was still living).

Ship's history

Pentagon naming ceremony in 2001

The contract to build CVN-77 was awarded to Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Newport News on January 26, 2001. A naming ceremony was held on December 9, 2002 at the Pentagon, with Former President George H.W. Bush attending. The Honorable Gordon England, Secretary of the Navy, presided at a ceremony.

Construction

The Keel Laying ceremony was on September 6, 2003, with Former President George H. W. Bush serving as the keynote speaker. Former First Lady Barbara Bush also attended with their daughter, Doro Bush Koch, the ship's sponsor. The former President authenticated the keel by chalking his initials onto a metal plate. His initials were then welded onto the plate, which was permanently affixed to the ship.

USS George H. W. Bush shortly after being released from dry dock for the first time

The ship was modularly constructed, where large sections are assembled and then lifted into place using a large crane. Major milestones in the construction include the bow placement in March 2005, followed by the Island placement on July 8, 2006. The 700-ton island was lifted onto the flight deck in a ceremony called “stepping the mast,” which dates from antiquity and consists of placing coins or other items of significance under the step or bottom of a ship’s mast during construction.

Since at least the construction of USS Constitution in the 1790s, this tradition has been passed on as a symbol of good luck for U.S. Navy ships. George H. W. Bush participated in the event, placing his naval aviator wings underneath the island during the ceremony.

George H. W. Bush was christened on October 7, 2006. [1] Former President George H. W. Bush attended the ceremony and became the first president in history to participate in the christening of his namesake ship. President George W. Bush also attended and honored his father during the ceremony as a special guest speaker. Other officials participating in the ceremony included Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter; Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Mullen.

Other construction milestones included catapult system testing on the ship's flight deck on Jan. 25, 2008. Former President George H.W. Bush signaled the launch of two "dead loads" off the deck of the carrier. Dead loads are large, wheeled, steel vessels weighing up to 80,000 pounds, simulating the weight of actual aircraft.[10][11]

On Aug. 11, 2008, the Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) crew moved aboard the ship, the first meals served in the galley, the U.S. flag was raised on fantail for the first time, and the first watches were set.[12]

Bush left Northrop Grumman Ship Building for the first time on 23 December 2008, proceeding a few miles down river to Norfolk Naval Station.

Commissioning

Guests and U.S. Navy personnel at the commissioning ceremony , Jan 10 2009
George H. W. Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush depart the ship following the commissioning ceremony

USS George H.W. Bush was commissioned 10 January 2009 at Norfolk Naval Station[13] prior to her official delivery to the Navy. 15,000 people attended, including veterans of the USS San Jacinto, the ship George Bush served on during WWII. President George W. Bush delivered the principal address, George H. W. Bush set the first watch, and ship's sponsor Dorothy "Doro" Bush Koch gave the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!" A Grumman TBM Avernger like the one then-Lieutenant junior grade George Bush flew in WWII performed a fly-over. Northrop Grumman Corporation Builder's sea trials were completed on Feb. 16, 2009, providing an opportunity to test systems, components and compartments at sea for the first time. The trials included high-speed runs and a demonstration of the carrier's other capabilities. [14] Following builder's trials, the ship underwent acceptance trials on 10 April 2009[15], conducted by representatives of the U.S. Navy Board of Inspection and Survey, to test and evaluate the ship's systems and performance.

Delivery and shakedown

Bush was officially delivered to the Navy on May 11, 2009.[16]

The first fixed-wing flights were conducted on May 19, 2009 when F/A-18 Super Hornets from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland began flight deck certification, which tests a carriers ability to conduct Modern US Navy carrier air operations. [17] [18] On May 26, 2009, Former President George H.W. Bush and his daughter, Doro Bush Koch, flew aboard the carrier to observe flight operations during the ship's underway period in the Atlantic Ocean. USS George H.W. Bush successfully completed her first flight deck certification on that day.[19] George H. W. Bush returned to Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard on June 18, 2009 for post-delivery maintenance work, also known as the ship's post shakedown availability (PSA). A PSA is a typical availability in the early life of a carrier that allows the Navy and builder to resolve any items that came up during trials and delivery and make any last-minute changes and upgrades. Work includes the installation of a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) handling system and a new fresh water purification system. Other changes include compartment reconfigurations, combat system and radar equipment upgrades, and minor repairs. The work is scheduled to last through early 2010. [20]

Commanding Officers

  • CAPT Kevin E. O'Flaherty, 2006-2009

[21]

  • CAPT DeWolfe H. Miller III, 2009-

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Future USS George H.W. Bush to Transit". Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs. 18 December 2008. Retrieved 22 December 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  2. ^ a b "Ready or not, Navy to get carrier" Googlesightseeing.com
  3. ^ a b "Aircraft Carrier Named the USS George H.W. Bush Commissioned". Fox News. 2009-01-10. Retrieved 2009-06-02.
  4. ^ Kuperman, Alan; von Hippel, Frank (10 April 2020). "US Study of Reactor and Fuel Types to Enable Naval Reactors to Shift from HEU Fuel". International Panel on Fissile Materials. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  5. ^ Hanlon, Brendan Patrick (19 May 2015). Validation of the Use of Low Enriched Uranium as a Replacement for Highly Enriched Uranium in US Submarine Reactors (PDF) (MSc). Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2021. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  6. ^ Gibbons, Tony (2001). The Encyclopedia of Ships. London, United Kingdom: Amber Books. p. 444. ISBN 978-1-905704-43-9.
  7. ^ Global Security: Features of CVN 77 Concept Design
  8. ^ "Design Enhancements". Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  9. ^ Northrop Grumman Press Release, May 11, 2009
  10. ^ http://www.nn.northropgrumman.com/news/2008/012508.html
  11. ^ http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34587
  12. ^ http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39065
  13. ^ Jones, Matthew (2009-01-10). "Carrier awaits a call to come to life in ceremony today". The Virginian Pilot. Landmark Communications. Retrieved 2009-01-10.
  14. ^ http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=159708
  15. ^ "Navy's Newest Carrier Successfully Completes Acceptance Sea Trials". United States Navy. 2009-04-09. Retrieved 2009-04-13.
  16. ^ Navy Takes Delivery of Aircraft Carrier George H.W. Bush
  17. ^ US Navy: First Flight on CVN-77
  18. ^ UScarrier.net May 19, 2009 News
  19. ^ http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45793
  20. ^ http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=167577
  21. ^ http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=42726
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