Norfolk Admirals Hockey Team Visits CVN 77

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Members of the Norfolk Admirals hockey team visited the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Feb. 13.

The Admirals, the 2012 Calder Cup Champions, are American Hockey League (AHL) affiliates of the National Hockey League's Anaheim Mighty Ducks.

The team was welcomed by the ship's Executive Officer, Capt. Richard C. McCormack, to whom they presented a signed hockey stick. The team then participated in a tour of the ship, including the flight deck, flight deck control and the bridge.

"Coming from Canada, I haven't had the opportunity to see anything like this," said Matt Clarke, a defenseman for the Admirals. "We really have a lot of respect for everyone in the Navy. I'm really happy I was able to come on board."

During the tour the team took a break to meet with the crew, autograph pictures and sign a few jerseys. They also took this opportunity to thank the crew for all that they do.

"I think the best part was just how they showed so much enthusiasm about everything," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Kayla Mariotti. "They kept asking questions and were actually curious about everything all the Sailors do on board."

As the tour concluded, Norfolk center Chris Wagner, a Massachusetts native, realized the hockey team has some of the same goals as the ship.

"Although we are only a team of 25, and a ship is a team of thousands of Sailors, we both have a goal in mind and that's being the best," said Wagner.

USS George H.W. Bush is currently completing training qualifications in port.

For up-to-date information, visit George H.W. Bush, visit http://www.facebook.com/USSGeorgeHWBush.

For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/.