Commissioning a ship entails many traditions and customs, one of which is choosing the ship's sponsor. The sponsor is a female chosen by the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), whom is usually chosen due to her affiliation with the ship.

Barbara Bush, born June 8, 1925, was chosen as the ship sponsor of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).

July 21, 1990, shortly after Bush's husband President George H. W. Bush was elected, she stood at the bow of George Washington and broke a bottle of champagne on the bow.

According to Navy History and Heritage Command, breaking a bottle of champagne on the bow as the ship begins to make movement signifies a spark of new life.

Bush accomplished many things in her 92 years of life. According to the White House website, she was the only other woman to be both first lady and the mother of a president.

In addition to Bush's roles as first lady, she was very passionate about literacy.

According to the New York Times, Bush attended more than 500 literacy related events.

According to www.barbarabush.org, Bush began her efforts in establishing the Barbra Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 1989. Her goal was to provide families the opportunity to learn together, from pre-school to adult literacy for parents.

As Bush was laid to rest in Texas, April 21, past and present Sailors whom served aboard George Washington continue to remember and honor her legacy.

"It was our privilege to have Mrs. Barbara Bush as the ship's sponsor for the nation's finest aircraft carrier," said Capt. Glenn Jamison, commanding officer aboard George Washington. "Her legacy will be long remembered by those who have served, and will serve aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73)."

In remembrance of George Washington's beloved sponsor, the ship's Ensign will be presented to the Bush family.


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