via DVIDS | Courtesy Story via USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)
ATLANTIC OCEAN – George & Barbara Bush Foundation leadership visited the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) for a distinguished visitor embark April 9-10, 2022.
The embark built on George H.W. Bush and the George & Barbara Foundation’s close ties and effort to carry on the legacy of service exemplified in word and deed by the life of President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush. Despite visiting shore-based events leading up to and including the ship’s commissioning in 2009, it was the first visit to an aircraft carrier at sea for many of the guests. Their visit included many opportunities to interact with the young men and women that bring 100,000 tons of American steel and fire power to life in support of the nation.
“President and Mrs. Bush would beam today if they saw what the men and women aboard the ship do each and every day,” said Alexander ‘Hap’ Ellis, president of the board of directors of the foundation. “Capt. Aguilar’s first message to us in the in port cabin was to focus less on the machine, and more on the Sailors that bring her to life. The Sailors aboard this ship are truly remarkable.”
George H.W. Bush is the only U.S. Navy aircraft carrier named for a naval aviator. Bush flew from the deck of USS San Jacinto (CVL 30) in the Pacific campaign in World War II while assigned as a pilot and photographic officer in Torpedo Squadron (VT) 51.