Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) (GHWB) welcomed aboard Rear Adm. Bruce Lindsey, commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic (CNAL), and Force Master Chief Bill Smalts, May 21.

The visit focused on the wellness and progress of the ship and embarked staffs and squadrons from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 and Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 22.

"This is an impressive team with an impressive crew, air wing, destroyer squadron, the whole nine yards," said Lindsey. "You guys have been doing the business very, very effectively and will continue to do so."

Lindsey and Smalts took a few moments out of their day to tour various workshops throughout the ship and interact with the crew. During one of the walkthroughs, Lindsey presented the Engineer of the Quarter Award to
Machinist's Mate Fireman April Jackson.

"My chief and senior chief selected me for Engineer of the Quarter, but I had no idea that the admiral would be here today to congratulate me," said Jackson. "He is very personable and I thought it was really cool that he took the time to give me the award."

Later in the day Lindsey addressed all hands over the 1MC. He thanked the crew of GHWB for their decision to join the Navy and assured them that they have support.

"You all are very special, and I thank you very much for what you are doing today, what you've done yesterday and what you will do tomorrow," said Lindsey. "My job is to support you. You are the supported Sailors in this endeavor. Everyone back home is working for you."

During their visit, Lindsey and Smalts met with Bush's senior leadership, department heads and chiefs to discuss current operations and material readiness before departing the ship, May 22, and he emphasized the importance of the Navy in protecting international waters.

"Why do we need a Navy?" said Lindsey. "The answer is simple: to keep Americans secure and prosperous. Seventy percent of the world is water and 90 percent of the world's trade is conducted on water."

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