George H.W. Bush Completes Underway

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) returned to Norfolk after nine days at sea, June 12.

The ship's crew conducted flight operations and various training exercises.

The Bush held its first ever Damage Control (DC) Olympics in the ship's hangar bay. During the competition, the shipboard repair locker teams tested their knowledge through communication relays, dewatering and desmoking drills, fire hose handling, and timed firefighting ensemble donning.

"We had a lot of good training during the DC Olympics," said Capt. Richard McCormack, executive officer. "Everyone did really well."

Air department worked to qualify Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS) and Training Command (TRACOM) Naval Aviators.

"Everyone worked together perfectly," said Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Hughes, handler. "We were able to qualify 62 pilots and complete 934 traps ahead of schedule."

The crew welcomed aboard more than 20 midshipmen, as part of their summer training program. For some midshipmen, this was their very first experience being out to sea.

"I had a great time on George H.W. Bush," said Midshipman 3rd Class Katie Mundo. "It's been fun getting lost and figuring out how to get around."

This was the last time Capt. Brian E. Luther, commanding officer, would go out to sea with George H. W. Bush. Capt. Andrew J. Loiselle will assume command of the aircraft carrier, June 20.

Luther took time to say his farewells during an all hands call, June 11.

"You have heard me say we are what we choose to honor, what we remember," said Luther. "I choose to remember you. I'll always remember the smiles of joy, of optimism, of pride from the earned successes from happy family news, a quick retort, a ready joke, recognition received, accomplishment earned, pride in a job well done or just because you're glad to see each other."

Luther discussed the responsibility of command.

"They say it's lonely in command," said Luther. "But a command is never about one person, and I've never felt lonely being part of this wonderful crew."

At the end of his farewell speech, Luther reflected on his past experiences in the Navy.

"I was 'a' captain before I came here," said Luther. "I've been "The Captain" before as well. I'll be "a" captain when I leave here, but I want you to always know that it's been the greatest honor of my naval career to be your captain on board USS George H. W. Bush."

George H.W. Bush is in port conducting training operations in preparation for the upcoming Tailored Ship's Training Availability/Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP).

For more information on USS George H.W. Bush follow the ship's fan page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/USSGeorgeHWBush .


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