USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) returned to Norfolk Naval Station following the successful completion of the 2015 planned incremental availability (PIA) period at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia.

GHWB arrived at the shipyard June 16, 2015 and underwent repairs and modifications to include two new weapons systems, an improved plumbing system, refurbishing the anchor chains, and general maintenance throughout the ship.

"It's been exciting to transition from a shipyard environment to an operational environment," said Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate Luke Doddy, Deck Department leading chief petty officer. "Now many of the Sailors on board, even experienced ones, are seeing what it's like on a real warship. They have finally been able to get out there to see what we do as a Navy."

After 13 months, GHWB departed the shipyard and began sea trials Saturday, July 23 to test the ship's crew, equipment, flight deck readiness, deck seamanship, damage control readiness, and performance of numerous drills.

"Our deployment is right around the corner, and getting to Norfolk is a huge step in the right direction," said Doddy. "We are getting back to an operational status so we can relieve the ships that are already out there. They miss home and want to see their families just as badly as we would in that situation."

For some Sailors the trip to Norfolk was their first underway.

"After a long time in the yards, I now feel like I'm actually in the Navy," said Airman Alvin Carter. "This underway was awesome."

The end of sea trials and return to Norfolk marks the beginning of training cycles and qualifications for GHWB.

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