View source for USS George H.W. Bush

{{short description|US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
<!-- According to the U.S. Navy, the name is spelled "George H.W. Bush" (with no space between the ''H'' and the ''W'') -->
{|{{Infobox ship begin|infobox caption=USS ''George H.W. Bush'' (CVN-77)}}
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image = File:US Navy 110129-N-3885H-158 USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is underway in the Atlantic Ocean.jpg
|Ship caption = USS ''George H.W. Bush'' in January 2011
}}
{{Infobox ship career
|Ship flag = {{USN flag}}
|Ship country = United States 
|Ship name = ''George H.W. Bush''
|Ship namesake = [[George H. W. Bush]]
|Ship ordered = 26 January 2001
|Ship awarded = 26 January 2001
|Ship builder = [[Northrop Grumman Newport News]]<ref Name="NavyNews12182008">{{cite web|title=Future USS ''George H.W. Bush'' to Transit|publisher=Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs|date=18 December 2008|url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=41503|access-date=22 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006091018/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=41503|archive-date=6 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|Ship original cost = $6.2 billion<ref name="FoxCommissioned">{{cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,479087,00.html |title=Aircraft Carrier Named the USS ''George H.W. Bush'' Commissioned |date=10 January 2009 |publisher=Fox News |access-date=2 June 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121021164246/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,479087,00.html |archive-date=21 October 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|Ship yard number =
|Ship way number =
|Ship laid down = 6 September 2003<ref Name="NavyNews12182008"/>
|Ship sponsor = [[Dorothy Bush Koch]]<ref Name="NavyNews12182008"/>
|Ship christened = 7 October 2006
}}
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header = yes
|Ship launched = 9 October 2006
|Ship completed =
|Ship commissioned = 10 January 2009<ref name="FoxCommissioned"/> |Ship recommissioned =
|Ship decommissioned =
|Ship renamed =
|Ship reclassified =
|Ship refit =
|Ship struck =
|Ship reinstated =
|Ship homeport = [[Naval Station Norfolk|Norfolk]]
|Ship identification = *{{MMSI Number|369970663}}
*[[Maritime call sign|Callsign]]: NGHW
*{{ICS|November}}{{ICS|Golf}}{{ICS|Hotel}}{{ICS|Whiskey}}
*[[Hull number]]: CVN-77
|Ship motto = ''Freedom at Work''
|Ship nickname = ''Avenger''
|Ship honors =
|Ship captured =
|Ship status = {{Ship in active service}}
|Ship notes =
|Ship badge = [[File:CVN-77 insignia.svg|150px]]
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header =
|Header caption =
|Ship class=[[Nimitz-class aircraft carrier|''Nimitz''-class]] [[aircraft carrier]]
|Ship type =
|Ship displacement = {{convert|102000|LT|ST}}<ref>{{cite book |title=The Naval Institute guide to the ships and aircraft of the U.S. fleet |last=Polmar |first=Norman |year=2004 |publisher=Naval Institute Press |isbn=978-1-59114-685-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/navalinstitutegu0018polm/page/112 112]|url= https://archive.org/details/navalinstitutegu0018polm |url-access=registration|quote=nimitz class displacement|access-date=26 September 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usna.edu/NAOE/_files/documents/Courses/EN400/04.04%20CVN.pdf|title=CVN-68: NIMITZ CLASS}}</ref>
|Ship length = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier length}}
|Ship beam = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier beam}}
|Ship draft = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier draught}}
|Ship power =
|Ship propulsion = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier propulsion}}
|Ship speed = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier speed}}
|Ship range = {{Nuclear ship range}}
|Ship complement = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier complement}}
|Ship crew =
|Ship time to activate =
|Ship sensors = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier sensors II}}
|Ship EW = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier EW}}
|Ship armament =*2 × Mk&nbsp;29 [[ESSM]] launcher
*2 × [[RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile]]
*3 × [[Phalanx CIWS]]<ref name=NavTech2>{{cite web |title=USS George HW Bush Project |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/george-h-w-bush/ |work=USS George HW Bush (CVN-77) Aircraft Carrier, United States of America |publisher=Net Resources International/SPG Media LTD |access-date=25 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204023231/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/george-h-w-bush |archive-date=4 December 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|Ship armor = {{convert|2.5|in|mm|abbr=on}} [[Kevlar]] over vital spaces<ref name="Fontenoy">{{cite book |title=Aircraft carriers: an illustrated history of their impact |last=Fontenoy |first=Paul E. |year=2006 |publisher=ABC-CLIO Ltd |isbn=978-1-85109-573-5 |page=349 }}</ref>
|Ship aircraft = {{Nimitz class aircraft carrier aircraft}}
|Ship aircraft facilities =
|Ship notes =
|Ship fate = 
}}
|}

'''USS ''George H.W. Bush'' (CVN-77)''' is the tenth and final {{sclass|Nimitz|aircraft carrier|0}} [[supercarrier]] of the [[United States Navy]]. She is named for the 41st [[President of the United States]] and former [[Director of Central Intelligence]] [[George H. W. Bush]], who was a [[naval aviator]] during [[World War II]]. The vessel's [[callsign]] is ''Avenger'', after the [[Grumman TBF Avenger|TBM Avenger]] [[Fixed-wing aircraft|aircraft]] flown by then-Lieutenant George H. W. Bush in [[World War II]]. Construction began in 2003 at [[Northrop Grumman]], in [[Newport News, Virginia]] and was completed in 2009 at a cost of $6.2&nbsp;billion. Her home port is [[Naval Station Norfolk]], Virginia.

==Naming==
[[File:George H.W. Bush seated in a Grumman TBM Avenger, circa 1944 (H069-13).jpg|thumb|upright|[[George H. W. Bush]] in a [[Grumman TBM Avenger]] during [[World War II]]]]

[[George H. W. Bush]] became one of the U.S. Navy's youngest pilots when he received his Naval Aviator wings and naval commission on 9 June 1943, three days before turning 19.<ref name="navy">{{cite web |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/histories/biographies-list/bios-b/bush-george-h-w.html |title=George Herbert Walker Bush |date=1 December 2018 |access-date=2 December 2018 |publisher=Navy History and Heritage Command}}</ref> He flew torpedo bombers off {{USS|San Jacinto|CVL-30|6}} on active duty from August 1943 to September 1945 during World War II. On 2&nbsp;September 1944, during a mission over the Pacific, Japanese anti-aircraft fire hit his plane. The Navy submarine {{USS|Finback|SS-230|6}} rescued him. He was awarded the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]] and three [[Air Medal]]s for courageous service in the [[Pacific War|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|2}}, to be named after a then living former president (''Ronald Reagan'' was christened in 2001 while Reagan was still alive).

==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 freedom. Above the carrier are the overhead profiles of a [[Grumman TBF Avenger|TBM Avenger]] torpedo bomber (representing Bush's days as a Navy pilot), an [[F/A-18 Hornet]] strike fighter, and an [[F-35C Lightning II]], superimposed one upon the other in reverse chronological order of the individual aircraft's service entry date, and in diminishing scale so each outline is contained within that of the newer aircraft.<ref name="up-www01.ffc.navy.mil">{{cite web |title=The Ship's Seal |url=http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/cvn77/Pages/ShipsSeal.aspx |work=USS George H. W. Bush (CVN77) |publisher=[[United States Navy]] |access-date=25 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221122757/http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/cvn77/Pages/ShipsSeal.aspx |archive-date=21 December 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Fouled 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."<ref name="up-www01.ffc.navy.mil"/>

==Description==
''George H.W. Bush'' measures {{convert|1092|ft|m}} and displaces over 100,000 tons, making her one of the world's largest warships (though she is slightly shorter than {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|6}}). Her top speed exceeds 30&nbsp;knots; powered with two nuclear reactors, she can operate for more than 20&nbsp;years without refueling.

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 |access-date= 3 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081223104414/http://www.nn.northropgrumman.com/bush/design_enhancements.html |archive-date= 23 December 2008}}</ref>

===Hull===
New features include a [[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 modernized coverings to reduce ship weight by 100&nbsp;tons, low solar absorptive and anti-stain paint, a less cluttered [[hangar]] bay, and a new [[propeller]] design.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=165151 |title=Northrop Grumman Delivers Final Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carrier to the U.S. Navy |publisher=Globe Newswire |date=11 May 2009 |access-date=31 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090521131119/http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=165151 |archive-date=21 May 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Island===
[[File:USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) island landing.jpg|thumb|Placement of the 700-ton island onto the ship's flight deck in 2006]]
''George H.W. 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 armored windows. The island is smaller and has been repositioned further aft to improve flight deck access and reduce signature and electronic self-interference.<ref name=GS1>{{cite web |first=John |last=Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/cvn-77.htm |title=CVN-77 – George H.W. Bush |publisher=Global Security |access-date=31 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114042654/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/cvn-77.htm |archive-date=14 November 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===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 provide faster, more efficient aircraft pit stops, requiring fewer people, modernized aircraft launch, and recovery equipment, and redesigned [[jet blast deflector]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url= 
https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/george-h-w-bush/|title=USS ''George H.W. Bush'' (CVN-77) Aircraft Carrier|publisher=naval-technology.com}}</ref>

===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 sea water in lieu of fresh water for lower maintenance costs. Many older ships in the U.S.&nbsp;Navy utilize a gravity-driven collection holding and transfer (CHT) system to handle sewage waste. Newer U.S.&nbsp;Navy ships, including now CVN-77, collect sewage waste by vacuum, allowing for greater flexibility in piping installation, smaller pipe sizes overall and reducing water consumption. The collection tanks of ''George H.W. Bush'' were modified to accommodate both the VCHT (Vacuum CHT) equipment and the elements of a marine sanitization device to treat the waste prior to discharge. ''George H.W. Bush'' is the only aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy to combine the two technologies.

This new VC/MSD driven waste management system has, however, not been without problems. Reports began surfacing immediately after delivery in May 2009 of issues with the ship's toilet system. As of November 2011, the entire system has gone down at least twice, rendering all 423 commodes in the ship's 130 heads inoperable, with many more incidents that have rendered either half of the ship, or sections of the ship, without operating sanitary facilities. In one ship-wide incident, a repair crew spent 35 non-stop hours attempting to return the system to working order. The system is said to suffer breakdowns when inappropriate materials such as feminine hygiene products are flushed down the toilets.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.navytimes.com/news/2011/11/navy-carrier-bush-suffers-widespread-toilet-outages-111411w/ |title=Carrier Bush suffers widespread toilet outages – Navy News &#124; News from Afghanistan & Iraq |newspaper=Navy Times |access-date=3 March 2012}}</ref> During a four-month maintenance period in the dock in 2012, anti-clog measures were installed in the ship's toilet disposal systems.<ref>Shapiro, Michael Welles, "Naval Shipyard Tackles Toilet Clogs on the Bush While Ship Is in For Repairs", ''[[Newport News Daily Press]]'', 29 September 2012</ref>

===Electronics and communications===
New electronics and communications technology,{{vague|date=July 2017}} 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.<ref name=GS1 />

==History==
[[File:USS George H. W. Bush.JPG|thumb|Pentagon naming ceremony in December 2002]]

The contract to build CVN-77 was awarded to [[Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Newport News]] on 26&nbsp;January 2001. A naming ceremony was held on 9&nbsp;December 2002 at [[Northrop Grumman Newport News]], with former president George H.W. Bush attending.<ref name="NavSource"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/us_navy_pages/aircraft_carriers/uss_george_h_w_bush_cvn_77_page_1.htm|title=MaritimeQuest - USS George H. W. Bush CVN-77 Page 1|website=www.maritimequest.com|access-date=19 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127141357/http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/us_navy_pages/aircraft_carriers/uss_george_h_w_bush_cvn_77_page_1.htm|archive-date=27 November 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Secretary of the Navy]] [[Gordon R. England]], presided at the ceremony.

===Construction===
Construction took place at the [[Northrop Grumman Newport News]] shipyard's [[Drydock#|Dry Dock]] 12, the largest in the western hemisphere.<ref name="NavSource">{{cite web|last=Peña|first=Fabio|title=USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN-77)|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/02/77.htm|work=NavSource Naval History|publisher=NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive|access-date=25 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027022236/http://www.navsource.org/archives/02/77.htm|archive-date=27 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=NavTech1>{{cite web |title=USS George HW Bush Project (Construction Photos) |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/george-h-w-bush/george-h-w-bush3.html |work=USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) Aircraft Carrier, United States of America |publisher=Net Resources International/SPG Media LTD |access-date=25 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615121311/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/george-h-w-bush/george-h-w-bush3.html |archive-date=15 June 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[keel laying]] ceremony was held on 6 September 2003,<ref name="NavSource"/> with former president George H. W. Bush serving as the keynote speaker. Former First Lady [[Barbara Bush]] also attended with their daughter, Dorothy 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.

[[File:GHW Bush CVN 77 Carrier.JPG|thumb|left|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 8&nbsp;July 2006.<ref name="NavSource"/> The {{convert|700|ST|t LT|adj=on}} island was lifted onto the flight deck in a ceremony called "[[Mast stepping|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/releases/photo-release-a-crowning-achievement-for-northrop-grumman-s-newest-aircraft-carrier|title=A Crowning Achievement For Northrop Grumman's Newest Aircraft Carrier|publisher=northropgrumman.com}}</ref>

''George H.W. Bush'' was [[Ship naming and launching|christened]] on 7&nbsp;October 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 [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] [[Donald Rumsfeld]], Secretary of the Navy [[Donald Winter]]; Virginia Senators [[John Warner]] and [[George Allen (U.S. politician)|George Allen]], Virginia Gov. [[Tim Kaine]], and [[Chief of Naval Operations]] Admiral [[Michael Mullen]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/15796/u_s_a_p_t_command_and_staff_attend_uss_bush_commissioning|title=U.S.A.P.T. Command and Staff Attend USS ''George H.W. Bush'' Commissioning|publisher=army.mil}}</ref>

Other construction milestones included catapult system testing on the ship's flight deck on 25&nbsp;January 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 {{convert|80000|lb}} simulating the weight of actual aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34587 |title=Carrier's Namesake Tests Catapult |publisher=News.navy.mil |date=25 January 2008 |access-date=31 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913102603/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34587 |archive-date=13 September 2009 }}</ref>

On 11 August 2008, the [[Pre-Commissioning Unit]] (PCU) crew moved aboard the ship, the first meals were served in the galley, the U.S. flag was raised on the fantail for the first time, and the first watches were set.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bailey |first=Nathan A. |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39065 |title=PCU Bush Celebrates In-Service Day, Moves Aboard |publisher=News.navy.mil |date=13 August 2008 |access-date=31 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913102750/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39065 |archive-date=13 September 2009}}</ref> ''George H.W. Bush'' left Northrop Grumman Ship Building for the first time on 23&nbsp;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 on 10 January 2009]]
[[File:USS George H. W. Bush 4.jpg|thumb|George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush depart the ship following the commissioning ceremony]]

''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=10 January 2009 |work=The Virginian Pilot |publisher=Landmark Communications |access-date=10 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204192433/http://hamptonroads.com/2009/01/carrier-awaits-call-come-life-ceremony-today |archive-date=4 February 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> prior to her official delivery to the Navy, in a ceremony attended by approximately 15,000 people. Veterans of {{USS|San Jacinto|CVL-30|6}}, the ship George H. W. Bush served on during World War II, were also present. 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 [[General Motors|GM]]-built [[Grumman]] [[Grumman TBF Avenger|TBM Avenger]] like the one then-Lieutenant junior grade George Bush flew in World War II performed a fly-over.

Northrop Grumman Corporation Builder's sea trials were completed on 16&nbsp;February 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>{{cite web |url=http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=159708 |title=Northrop Grumman Completes Builder's Sea Trials for USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) |publisher=Globe Newswire |date=16 February 2009 |access-date=31 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224035543/http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=159708 |archive-date=24 February 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following builder's trials, the ship underwent acceptance trials on 10&nbsp;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=9 April 2009 |publisher=[[United States Navy]] |access-date=13 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414055244/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44191 |archive-date=14 April 2009 |url-status=live }}</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===
''George H.W. Bush'' was officially delivered to the Navy on 11 May 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45176 |title=Navy Takes Delivery of Aircraft Carrier George H.W. Bush |publisher=Navy.mil |date=11 May 2009 |access-date=31 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018071441/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45176 |archive-date=18 October 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The first fixed-wing flights were conducted on 19 May 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 carrier's ability to conduct [[Modern US Navy carrier air operations|air operations]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45421 |title=Navy's Newest Aircraft Carrier Lands First Aircraft |publisher=Navy.mil |date=19 May 2009 |access-date=31 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111217022837/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45421 |archive-date=17 December 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 26&nbsp;May 2009, former president George H.W. Bush and his daughter, Dorothy 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>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45793 |title=Bush Certified for Flight Ops |publisher=News.navy.mil |date=29 May 2009 |access-date=31 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913102743/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45793 |archive-date=13 September 2009}}</ref>

''George H.W. Bush'' returned to Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard on 18&nbsp;June 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 was scheduled to last through early 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=167577 |title=Northrop Grumman Awarded PSA Contract for USS George H. W. Bush |publisher=Globe Newswire |date=18 June 2009 |access-date=31 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224035117/http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=167577 |archive-date=24 February 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Maiden 2011 deployment===
[[File:Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - CVN 75 and CVN 77 conduct ordnance transfer..jpg|thumb|left|''George H.W. Bush'' (top) conducts an ordnance transfer with {{USS|Harry S Truman||2}} off the East Coast in 2011]]
The ship was assigned to [[Carrier Strike Group Two]] for her first deployment. Under the command of Rear Admiral [[Nora Tyson]], ''George H.W. Bush'', [[Carrier Air Wing Eight]] and the four ships of her group departed on her first deployment on 11 May 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Affairs|first=Press Release, USS George H. W. Bush Public|title=USS Bush departs for maiden deployment|url=https://www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/news/quarterdeck/uss-bush-departs-for-maiden-deployment/article_796d2ab1-7b79-5c3c-920c-eb021416a4d2.html|access-date=2021-04-22|website=Military News|date=18 May 2011 |language=en}}</ref> They sailed across the Atlantic to Britain to participate in [[Exercise Saxon Warrior]], held in the [[Western Approaches]] and culminating in a so-called '[[Thursday War]]'.<ref name="navynews.co.uk">{{cite web |url=http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1195-george-bush-bound-for-portsmouth-after-war-games-with-royal-navy.aspx |title=George Bush bound for Portsmouth after war games with Royal Navy |date=23 May 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602004340/http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1195-george-bush-bound-for-portsmouth-after-war-games-with-royal-navy.aspx | archive-date=2 June 2011}}</ref> She then moved towards [[Portsmouth]], United Kingdom, on 27 May, anchoring adjacent to [[Stokes Bay]] through 31 May, because she was too large to enter the harbor, and the naval base did not have sufficient nuclear berths for the carrier to moor alongside.<ref name="navynews.co.uk"/><ref>{{cite news |author1=McMichael, Bill|url=http://scoopdeck.navytimes.com/2011/05/05/bush-to-make-first-ever-overseas-deployment/ |title=Bush to make first-ever overseas deployment|work=[[Navy Times]]|date=5 May 2011 |format=Scoop Deck}}</ref> The carrier arrived at Naples, Italy on 10 June 2011.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Ziezulewicz, Geoff |url=http://www.stripes.com/news/navy/navy-s-newest-carrier-reaches-naples-during-first-deployment-1.146380 |title=Navy's newest carrier reaches Naples during first deployment| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614165326/http://www.stripes.com/news/navy/navy-s-newest-carrier-reaches-naples-during-first-deployment-1.146380 |archive-date=14 June 2011 | work=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] | date=11 June 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

The carrier returned to Norfolk on 10 December 2011, following a seven-month deployment supporting operations with the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th fleets.<ref>{{cite news| title= George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group Returns from Deployment | url=https://www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/news/top_stories/george-h-w-bush-carrier-strike-group-returns-from-deployment/article_6aa60693-d963-5cfb-be8c-a1aba76739e2.html| newspaper= The Flagship | publisher=Military Newspapers of Virginia | date=12 December 2011 |format=U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs| access-date=13 December 2011}}</ref>

===2012===
[[File:A U.S. Navy X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator aircraft, center left, sits on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in the Atlantic Ocean May 14, 2013, before 130514-N-XE109-370.jpg|thumb|''George H.W. Bush'' undertakes carrier qualifications in the Atlantic in May 2013; an [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F/A-18F Super Hornet]] is on the catapult; another F/A-18F and an [[Northrop Grumman X-47B|X-47B]] are parked forward of the island superstructure; two more F/A-18Fs and four [[Grumman C-2 Greyhound|C-2 Greyhounds]] are parked aft.]]
On 25 July 2012, ''George H.W. Bush'' began her four-month overhaul at [[Norfolk Naval Shipyard]] at [[Portsmouth, Virginia]], included scheduled short-term technical upgrades.<ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samantha Thorpe, USN | title= CVN 77 Begins Planned Incremental Availability | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68615 | work= NNS120726-09 | publisher= USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs | date= 26 July 2012 | access-date= 1 August 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131202234821/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68615 | archive-date= 2 December 2013 | url-status=live }} and {{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samantha Thorpe, USN | title= CVN 77 Starts Planned Incremental Availability | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68615 | work= NNS120824-02 | publisher= USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs | date= 24 August 2012 | access-date= 1 October 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131202234821/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68615 | archive-date= 2 December 2013 | url-status=live }}</ref> On 1 December 2012, ''George H.W. Bush'' completed her PIA maintenance cycle and began sea trials on 3 December 2012. After completing sea trials on 4 December 2012, the carrier started her training and qualification cycle in preparation for the group's 2013 deployment.<ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist Margaret Keith, USN | title= CVN 77 Departs Shipyard on Time | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70896 | work= NNS121203-03 | publisher= USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs | date= 3 December 2012 | access-date= 5 December 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131202230655/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70896 | archive-date= 2 December 2013 | url-status=live }} and {{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samantha Thorpe, USN | title= CVN 77 Back To Sea For Trials | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70914 | work= NNS120726-09 | publisher= USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs | date= 3 December 2012 | access-date= 5 December 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121212043409/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70914 | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref>

===2013===
During a two-week underway period beginning 14 January 2013, ''George H.W. Bush'' tested the [[MV-22]] tilt-rotor aircraft from squadron [[VMX-22]] as a potential [[Carrier onboard delivery|carrier onboard delivery aircraft]] as well as operating mine-sweeping [[MH-53E]] helicopters from squadron [[HM-14]].<ref>{{cite web | author= Richard Whittle | title= It's Great Time To Run V-22 Osprey Program; POTUS Duty, Multiyear, Safety | url= http://defense.aol.com/2013/02/05/its-great-time-to-run-v-22-osprey-program-potus-duty-multiyea/ | work= Sea | publisher= AOL Defense | date= 5 February 2013 | access-date= 6 February 2013 | quote= "Ospreys from VMX-22, the Marine Corps test squadron, were operating from the USS ''George H.W. Bush'' (CVN-77) the weekend of Jan. 26–27, carrying cargo and passengers to and from the big deck flattop in a demonstration of the V-22's ability to operate either as part of a carrier's cyclic air operation or, as helicopters do, outside it..." | url-status=dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130210044737/http://defense.aol.com/2013/02/05/its-great-time-to-run-v-22-osprey-program-potus-duty-multiyea | archive-date= 10 February 2013 | df= dmy-all }}</ref>
[[File:An X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator launches from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) May 14, 2013, in the Atlantic Ocean 130514-N-UZ648-182.jpg|thumb|An [[Northrop Grumman X-47B|X-47B]] is catapulted from ''George H.W. Bush'' in May 2013, the first time a UCAV had been launched from an aircraft carrier at sea, during carrier qualifications in the Atlantic]]
During another underway period, ''George H.W. Bush'' conducted at-sea tests for [[X-47B]] unmanned drone in the [[Atlantic Ocean]], including the first time that an unmanned drone has been [[Steam catapult#Steam catapult|catapulted]] off an aircraft carrier on the morning of 14 May 2013 (''pictured'').<ref>{{cite news|title=Navy launches unmanned aircraft from deck of aircraft carrier for 1st time|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/navy-to-attempt-launching-unmanned-aircraft-from-deck-of-aircraft-carrier-for-first-time/2013/05/14/b9387ad2-bc66-11e2-b537-ab47f0325f7c_story.html|newspaper=[[Washington Post]]|access-date=14 May 2013}}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> On 17 May 2013, another first was achieved when the X-47B performed [[touch-and-go landing]]s and take-offs on the flight deck of ''Bush'' while underway in the Atlantic Ocean.<ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Vinson, USN | title= X-47B Accomplishes First Ever Carrier Touch and Go aboard CVN 77 | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74225 | work= NNS130517-15 | publisher= USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) Public Affairs | date= 17 May 2013 | access-date= 17 May 2013 | quote= "The Navy's X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator (UCAS-D) has begun touch and go landing operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS ''George H.W. Bush'' (CVN 77) May 17." | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130604155050/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74225 | archive-date= 4 June 2013 | url-status=live }}</ref> Also during this two-week underway period, the aircraft carrier tested a new torpedo self-defense system, as well as completed more than 115 launches and landings in assessing a new precision landing system, before returning to Norfolk on 24 May 2013.<ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Derrik Noack, USN | title= USS ''George H.W. Bush'' Completes Historic Underway | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74386 | work= NNS130524-11 | publisher= USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) Public Affairs | date= 24 May 2013 | access-date= 29 May 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140306043218/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74386 | archive-date= 6 March 2014 | url-status=live }}</ref>

On 10 July 2013, an unmanned X-47B drone completed an arrested landing on the flight deck of ''George H.W. Bush''. The landing marks the first time any unmanned aircraft had completed an arrested landing on board an aircraft carrier operating at sea.<ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Vinson | title= X-47B Makes First Arrested Landing at Sea | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75298 | work= NNS130710-06 | publisher= USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs | date= 10 July 2013 | access-date= 10 July 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130714215654/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75298 | archive-date= 14 July 2013 | url-status=live }}</ref> The drone completed a second successful arrested landing on ''George H.W. Bush'', but it was diverted to the [[Wallops Flight Facility]] in Virginia after an issue was detected, requiring that a planned third landing to be aborted.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Virginian-Pilot]]|title=Glitch forces Navy drone to abort carrier landing|date=12 July 2012|access-date=12 July 2013|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2013/07/navy-drone-fails-third-aircraft-carrier-landing-attempt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130713045635/http://hamptonroads.com/2013/07/navy-drone-fails-third-aircraft-carrier-landing-attempt|archive-date=13 July 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> One of the drone's three navigational sub-systems failed, which was identified by the other two sub-systems. The anomaly was indicated to the mission operator, who followed test plan procedures to abort the landing. The Navy stated that the aircraft's detection of a problem demonstrated its reliability and ability to operate autonomously.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=National Defense|title=Navy: Glitch in X-47B Test Only Proves Unmanned Aircraft's Reliability|date=11 July 2013|url=http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1199|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207020659/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1199|archive-date=7 February 2016}}</ref> On 15 July 2013, in a fourth attempt, an X-47B drone failed to make a successful flight deck landing on board the vessel due to "technical issues."<ref>{{cite web | author= Christopher P. Cavas | title= X-47B Fails Fourth Landing Attempt | url=http://www.navytimes.com/article/20130716/NEWS04/307160019/X-47B-fails-fourth-landing-attempt| work= [[Navy Times]]| date=16 July 2013 | access-date=16 July 2013 |quote="The aircraft developed technical issues while in flight from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., to the ship and officials decided to abort the attempt before the X-47B reached the vicinity of the carrier, steaming off the U.S. east coast."}}</ref>

===2014 deployment===
[[File:USS George Bush (CVN-77) in Strait of Gibraltar, February 2014.jpg|thumb|''George H.W. Bush'' transits the [[Straits of Gibraltar]] in February 2014]]
In late February 2014, ''George H.W. Bush'' transited the [[Strait of Gibraltar]] on the way to a stop in [[Piraeus]], Greece, for a scheduled port visit.<ref>{{cite news| title=USS George H.W. Bush arrives in Greece| url=http://www.dailypress.com/news/military/hrmilitary-blog/dp-uss-bush-arrives-in-greece,0,4403965.post| work=[[Navy Times]]| date=4 March 2014| access-date=6 March 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306130127/http://www.dailypress.com/news/military/hrmilitary-blog/dp-uss-bush-arrives-in-greece,0,4403965.post| archive-date=6 March 2014}}</ref>

On 5 March 2014, ''George H.W. Bush'' arrived off southern Turkey, which is under 500 miles away from [[Crimea]], amid developing tensions over [[Ukraine]] with [[Russia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://medium.com/war-is-boring/an-american-flattop-is-just-500-miles-from-crimea-d6deeed6601c|title=An American Flattop Is Just 500 Miles From Crimea|first=War Is|last=Boring|date=10 March 2014|access-date=24 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112181642/https://medium.com/war-is-boring/an-american-flattop-is-just-500-miles-from-crimea-d6deeed6601c|archive-date=12 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 March 2014, the carrier entered port in [[Antalya]], in southern [[Turkey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=79567|title=USS George H.W. Bush Arrives in Turkey|publisher=United States Navy|author=Jeffrey Madlangbayan|date=9 March 2014|access-date=13 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313054438/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=79567|archive-date=13 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Some news sources had speculated that the ship's stay in the Mediterranean Sea would be extended as a result of the [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|annexation of Crimea]], but this proved to not be the case with [[Carrier Strike Group 2]] proceeding through the [[Suez Canal]].<ref>{{cite web|title=USS George H.W Bush departs to Mediterranean|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/uss-bush-departs-mediterranean-enters-mideast-1.273704|website=stripes.com|access-date=10 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323020525/http://www.stripes.com/news/uss-bush-departs-mediterranean-enters-mideast-1.273704|archive-date=23 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and USS GHW Bush (CVN-77) in the Arabian Sea in October 2014.JPG|thumb|left|{{USS|Carl Vinson|CVN-70|2}} (foreground) relieves ''George H.W. Bush'' as the 5th Fleet on station carrier in October 2014.]]
The carrier was transiting the Suez Canal on 18 March 2014. On 23 March {{USS|Harry S. Truman}} officially turned over the watch to ''George H.W. Bush'' in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and supporting theater security cooperation efforts.

On 14 June 2014, ''George H.W. Bush'' was ordered to the [[Persian Gulf]] to protect US interests in Iraq in light of the militant group [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]'s (ISIL) [[Northern Iraq offensive (June 2014)|offensive and takeover]] of several major cities in that country.

On 8 August 2014, two F/A-18F Super Hornets launched from the ship and dropped {{convert|500|lb|adj=on}} laser-guided bombs on an ISIL mobile artillery cannon shelling [[Peshmerga|Kurdish]] forces outside their capital city, [[Erbil]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-airstrikes-will-make-sure-isis-cant-take-erbil-iraq-from-kurds/|title=U.S. bombs ISIS fighters in Iraq|date=8 August 2014|website=CBS This Morning|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=10 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809225235/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-airstrikes-will-make-sure-isis-cant-take-erbil-iraq-from-kurds/|archive-date=9 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The mission was launched in accordance with President Obama's announcement on the evening of 7 August that the US would begin airstrikes to protect US personnel and the [[Yazidis]] in the region from ISIL attacks.

On 23 September 2014 F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets from Carrier Air Wing Eight launched from ''George H.W. Bush'' in the Persian Gulf to strike at specific targets in [[Syria]] such as command-and-control centers, training camps, and weapons depots.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/us-arab-allies-launch-first-wave-of-strikes-in-syria/ |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140923044720/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/09/22/us-launches-first-wave-bombing-strikes-over-syria/ |archive-date=23 September 2014 |title=US, Arab allies launch first wave of strikes in Syria |work=Fox News |access-date=23 September 2014}}</ref>

On 15 November 2014, ''George H.W. Bush'' returned to her homeport in Norfolk, Virginia after a nine-month deployment.

===2017 deployment===
[[File:OperationSaxonWarrior.jpg|thumb|''George H.W. Bush'' in company with {{HMS|Queen Elizabeth|R08|6}} and escorts]]
[[File:Two F-A-18E Super Hornets fly in formation above HMS Queen Elizabeth during exercise Saxon Warrior 2017. (36256793512).jpg|thumb|A pair of [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|Super Hornets]] from USS ''George H.W. Bush'' overfly {{HMS|Queen Elizabeth|R08|6}} during Exercise ''Saxon Warrior'' in 2017]]

Following a 14-month shipyard availability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard and a compressed training cycle, ''George H.W. Bush'' and Carrier Air Wing Eight departed Norfolk on 21 January for her third deployment. She transited the Strait of Gibraltar on 2 February and after a port visit to [[Souda Bay]], [[Crete]], she again participated in strikes against ISIL in support of [[Operation Inherent Resolve]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.usni.org/2017/02/13/bush-strike-group-launches-anti-isis-strikes-mediterranean|title=USS George H.W. Bush Launches Anti-ISIS Strikes from Mediterranean|date=13 February 2017 |publisher=usni.org}}</ref>

In July 2017, ''George H.W. Bush'' arrived in the UK to take part in Exercise ''Saxon Warrior'', a joint exercise involving Carrier Strike Group 2 plus elements of the [[Royal Navy]], [[German Navy]], [[Royal Norwegian Navy]] and [[Swedish Navy]]. This included the staff of the Royal Navy's Carrier Strike Group embarking ''Bush'' as part of their preparation for the entry into service of {{HMS|Queen Elizabeth|R08|6}}, the first of Britain's new aircraft carriers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/13368/royal-navys-new-supercarrier-trains-alongside-us-navy-counterpart-for-first-time|title=Royal Navy's New Supercarrier Trains Alongside Its US Counterpart for the First Time|date=9 August 2017 |publisher=The War Zone}}</ref>

===2018===
In May 2018, ''George H.W. Bush'' took part in the [[France|Franco]]-American exercise Chesapeake Mission, with twelve [[Dassault Rafale|Dassault Aviation Rafale M]] and a [[Grumman E-2 Hawkeye|Grumman E-2C Hawkeye]] from the [[French Navy]] embarked on board.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avionslegendaires.net/2018/05/actu/chesapeake-linteroperabilite-franco-americaine/ |title=Chesapeake: L'Interopérabilité Franco-Américaine |work=avionslegendaires.net |date=13 May 2018 |url-status=live |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513223938/http://www.avionslegendaires.net/2018/05/actu/chesapeake-linteroperabilite-franco-americaine/ |archive-date=13 May 2018 }}</ref>

===2019===
In February 2019, ''George H.W. Bush'' arrived at Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a planned 28-month docking planned incremental availability (DPIA). This was the ship's first DPIA.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://navaltoday.com/2019/02/22/uss-george-h-w-bush-dry-docks-for-2-5-year-overhaul/ |title=USS George H.W. Bush dry-docks for 2.5-year overhaul |work=navaltoday.com |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043207/https://navaltoday.com/2019/02/22/uss-george-h-w-bush-dry-docks-for-2-5-year-overhaul/ |archive-date=6 March 2019 |url-status=live |date=22 February 2019}}</ref>

The United States Navy announced on 24 September that there had been three suicides aboard ''George H.W. Bush'' in one week. Two previous ship suicides had taken place in November 2017 and July 2019.<ref>{{citation|website=ABC News|date=24 September 2019|access-date=4 October 2019|title=3 suicides in 1 week by sailors from aircraft carrier USS ''George H.W. Bush'' |first=Luis |last=Martinez |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/suicides-week-sailors-aircraft-carrier-uss-george-hw/story?id=65820980&cid=clicksource_4380645_null_headlines_hed}}</ref>

=== 2020 ===
On {{dts|2020.07.30|format=dmy}}, ''[[Navy Times]]'' reported that a spokesperson for [[Naval Air Force Atlantic]] confirmed that a "small number" of sailors assigned to ''George H.W. Bush'' had tested positive for [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]] during the summer.<ref name="bush.navytimes">{{cite web |url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2020/07/30/a-small-number-of-carrier-george-hw-bush-sailors-test-positive-for-covid-19/ |title='A small number' of carrier George HW Bush sailors test positive for COVID-19 |work=Navy Times |last=Ziezulewicz |first=Geoff |date=31 July 2020 |access-date=4 August 2020}}</ref> The spokesperson declined to provide an exact number of sailors or a more precise date regarding when the virus was detected, citing US Defense Department policy, but added that the carrier was not deployed at the time, and that those infected "remain[ed] in isolation at their private residences in Virginia and receive[d] daily medical supportive care".{{r|bush.navytimes}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/news/george-h-w-bush-carrier-sailors-coronavirus |title=Sailors from the USS ''George H.W. Bush'' have COVID-19. The Navy won't say how many |last=Schogol |first=Jeff |work=taskandpurpose.com |date=30 July 2020 |access-date=4 August 2020}}</ref>

In August 2020, ''George H.W. Bush'' left dry dock at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, after 18 months of the planned two-year overhaul. It was the vessel's most extensive maintenance period and marked the first time out of water since she was built. The overhaul was the most complex undertaken at the shipyard to date, according to the Navy.<ref name="Left_Drydock'">{{cite news | url=https://www.stripes.com/news/us/uss-george-h-w-bush-leaves-norfolk-dry-dock-on-time-during-its-first-major-overhaul-1.643576 | title= USS George H. W. Bush leaves Norfolk dry dock on time during its first major overhaul |author1=Lopez, Christian| work=Stars and Stripes | date=2 September 2020}}</ref>

=== 2022–2023 deployment ===
On 10 August 2022, ''George H.W. Bush'', with [[Carrier Air Wing 7]] (CVW-7) embarked, began a deployment as part of [[Carrier Strike Group 10]] (CSG-10). This marks the carrier's first deployment since her 2017 deployment, after which she underwent major maintenance.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Carrier Strike Group 10 Public Affairs |author-link=Carrier Strike Group 10 |date=2022-08-10 |title=George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group Deploys |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3123631/george-hw-bush-carrier-strike-group-deploys/ |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=[[United States Navy]] |language=en-US}}</ref> CSG-10 was reportedly set to relieve [[Carrier Strike Group 8]] (CSG-8) and its flagship, {{USS|Harry S. Truman}}, in the [[Mediterranean Sea]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mongilio |first=Heather |date=2022-08-10 |title=VIDEO: Carrier USS George H.W. Bush Deploys, Set to Relieve Harry S. Truman Strike Group in Europe |url=https://news.usni.org/2022/08/10/george-h-w-bush-carrier-strike-group-deploys-set-to-relieve-harry-s-truman-strike-group-in-europe |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=[[USNI News]] |language=en-US}}</ref> On 25 August 2022, ''George H.W. Bush'' and CSG-10 transited the [[Strait of Gibraltar]] and entered the Mediterranean Sea.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Carrier Strike Group 10 Public Affairs |author-link=Carrier Strike Group 10 |date=2022-08-25 |title=George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group transits the Strait of Gibraltar |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3138957/george-hw-bush-carrier-strike-group-transits-the-strait-of-gibraltar/ |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=[[United States Navy]] |language=en-US}}</ref> ''George H.W. Bush'' returned to [[Naval Station Norfolk|Norfolk]] on 23 April 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Correll |first1=Diana Stancy |title=USS George HW Bush returns to Norfolk after deployment |url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2023/04/24/uss-george-hw-bush-returns-to-norfolk-after-deployment/ |access-date=19 December 2023 |publisher=Navy Times |date=25 April 2023}}</ref>

==References==
===Notes===
{{Reflist}}

===Further reading===
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book|last1=Dyer|first1=Geoff|title=Another Great Day at Sea: Life aboard the USS George H.W. Bush|date=2014|publisher=Pantheon Books|location=New York|isbn=9780307911582}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77)}}
* [https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn77/ Official website]
* U.S. Navy, [https://web.archive.org/web/20110629053321/http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=468 USS ''George H.W. Bush'' (CVN 77) Story Archive]
* [http://www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/ USS ''George H.W. Bush'' (CVN 77) News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721201026/http://www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/ |date=21 July 2020 }} – U.S. Navy
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060423153343/http://www.nn.northropgrumman.com/bush/ Shipyard]: CVN 77 section of the Northrop Grumman Newport News site
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070110171459/http://www.cvn77.navy.mil/ Crew]: The Navy's Pre-Commissioning Unit for CVN 77
* 1998 Article "[http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/docs/980721-cvn77.htm Front Loading the CVN 77...]" which analyzes how the DoD's changes to initial funding affect long range savings in procurement
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061130155627/http://www.nn.northropgrumman.com/media/video/m061086_384k.wmv A video] on how the CVN-77 was made.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090324053454/http://www.c-span.org/Watch/watch.aspx?MediaId=HP-R-14162 C-SPAN video of the Ship's Commissioning Ceremony]

{{Nimitz class aircraft carrier}}
{{Nuclear surface ships}}
{{George H. W. Bush}}

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[[Category:Nimitz-class aircraft carriers]]
[[Category:2006 ships]]
[[Category:Aircraft carriers of the United States]]
[[Category:Nuclear-powered ships of the United States Navy]]
[[Category:Carrier Strike Group Two]]
[[Category:Ships built in Newport News, Virginia]]
[[Category:George H. W. Bush]]