Posted on 07/15/2010 7:53:03 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), the Navy's 10th and final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, received a visit from its namesake, former President George H.W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush, while underway July 14.
Bush and Barbara were escorted on board by Adm. J.C. Harvey, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
During his two-day visit to the aircraft carrier, Bush toured the ship, observing day-to-day operations and spending time with the crew, as well as taking part in a reenlistment ceremony for nearly 60 Sailors, which he said was an honor.
"I am proud of every man and woman on this ship," said Bush. "I was honored to be able to reenlist those who are ready to serve again. I am very emotional about service to country, particularly the Navy. I am very proud of the Navy and extremely proud of this ship. That this ship is named after me knows no bound in terms of my emotion and my pleasure and the honor that I feel."
Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Miller expressed what a huge privilege and inspiration it was to host two individuals who devoted their lives to selfless service.
"What an honor it is to have our special guests on board to see freedom at work first hand," said Miller. "We are so grateful to have them join us at sea to see what we do and how we do our part to defend freedom."
Barbara pointed out how much the aircraft carrier and its crew meant to her and her husband.
"This ship is probably the greatest honor that George Bush ever had given to him," said Barbara. "He and I pray for this crew every single night of our lives.
(Excerpt) Read more at navy.mil ...
I wonder how much the ship’s basic design has changed since 1975?
ping
There are many legitamite detractions one can make regarding the Bush terms in office, but love of country and it’s military are not among them.
Under his leadership, the Gulf War was a success.
God bless the Bush family.
Same here
Amen.
Then the Clintons got in and revised history and by the end of their term they had everyone blaming him for it. All because the Clintons didn't know what to do with Iraq so by the end of their term we had a disaster.
My comment actually applies to both Bushes. There are many grievances a FReeper can hold against both men. Today, Karl Rove admitted the admin erred in letting detractors of the Iraq War get the upper hand. At least one problem with both Bushes was that they ignored the seditious media.
However, it had always been clear that the Bush family has had deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by the US military.
Nevertheless, a controlled crash onto a postage-stamp sized hunk of steel steaming through 30-foot waves is a really dumb way to make a living. IMHO. ;-)
Didn’t see this on the nightly news.
Click on pic for past Navair pings.
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Probably a lot.
I wonder about the powerplant, but I presume that’s so tippy-top secret there’s no point in wondering.
I’ve got absolutely no problem naming a carrier after GHWB. It’s a tiny bit creepy to name something so prominent after a President that is still living... but beyond that it’s a fitting tribute to a man who devoted his entire life to the service of his country.
However, sorry but George H Bush is a rally cruddy name for an aircraft carrier.
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