USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) held a change of command ceremony at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk, Virginia, Oct. 9.

Capt. Andrew J. Loiselle was relieved by Capt. Will Pennington as the commanding officer of USS George H.W. Bush in a ceremony attended by several hundred distinguished visitors, guests and crew.

Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations
for Warfare Systems, Rear Adm. DeWolfe "Chip" Miller was the guest speaker during the ceremony and presented Loiselle with a Legion of Merit.

"The men and women of the George H.W. Bush are indeed a true national treasure. For the past two and a half years we've entrusted these national treasures to an officer of extraordinary ability," said Miller. "A man of faith, an exceptional husband, a skilled naval aviator, and an officer of strong character; a wise counselor and a steadfast friend - that's how I describe 'Bucket."

"A man who embodies the integrity required of command, and who has demonstrated that he can make the hard decisions that command requires of us all," he said.

When thanking Miller for his words, Loiselle attributed the award to the actions of the GHWB team.

"Eventually, you are judged not only by your own actions, but by your ability to lead and inspire a team to better performance on bigger tasks. This team did all of that and more," said Loiselle. "To say that you have exceeded expectations is an understatement."

"Being your captain was the single biggest honor of my naval career," he concluded.

Pennington is returning to GHWB, as he was previously stationed aboard the ship as XO. During his time on board he witnessed many milestones in the ship's history from her initial certification through the completion of her maiden combat deployment. As he concluded his remarks, Pennington took the opportunity to charge the crew with the responsibility to safeguard and advance the GHWB legacy.

"Naval service is a team sport. No single entity has the responsibility and the opportunity to participate on as many teams as an aircraft carrier and we embrace those roles... Tremendous effort will be required but I am certain that - as a team - we will succeed," said Pennington.

Pennington, a native of Wilton, Iowa, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1989 with a degree in Economics and was designated a naval aviator in June 1991.

Pennington's sea tours include Fighter Squadron (VF) 154 forward deployed to NAF Atsugi, Japan, the Carrier Air Wing EIGHT Staff, Fighter Squadron (VF) 14, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14. In addition to serving as XO aboard GHWB, he commanded USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). Most recently, Pennington served as CVN Requirements Officer at Naval Air Force Atlantic.

USS George H. W. Bush is currently pierside at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, undergoing a planned incremental availability.

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