The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) departed its homeport of Norfolk to support carrier qualification (CQ) operations for members of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, in the Atlantic Ocean, April 1.

"This is what the Navy is all about," said USS George H.W. Bush Command Master Chief David Carter. "Going underway keeps us all sharp and up to date. In the Navy we strive to be 'always ready,' and the only way to guarantee that is by training at sea."

During the underway period, Sailors will conduct flight operations and train on all aspects of shipboard life and warfare at sea.

"We'll be training squadrons from CVW 7," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Savannah Stewart, currently stationed on board George H.W. Bush. "Truman is in the yards right now, so George H.W. Bush will be helping out by training a few of their squadrons."

The underway will include various shipboard training evolutions for each department. George H.W. Bush will be receiving Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146, the Blue Diamonds, and VFA-34, the Blue Blasters, to conduct flight operations.

"CQs help keep Sailors battle ready," said Stewart. "Some Sailors come to squadrons in between deployments and might not get a lot of sea time before their next scheduled deployment."

George H. W. Bush is currently underway conducting training exercises in the Atlantic Ocean.

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