Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr. visited USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) (GHWB) Sailors to observe flight operations and tour the Navy's last Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Ocean April 17.

Winnefeld flew aboard GHWB in a C-2A Greyhound and met with ship and strike group leadership before observing shipboard operations.

Some of the highlights of Winnefeld's visit included observing flight operations and visits to the fo'c'sle, primary flight control and the navigation bridge.

"The admiral showed a great appreciation for all the hard work that gets done here," said Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Kyle Redding, a Sailor assigned to Deck Department. "He commended us for all the qualifications we've earned, and told us how impressed he was with the cleanliness of the ship."

Winnefeld also had the opportunity to visit the ship's Medical Department, a place where aviators like him spend countless hours being evaluated in preparation for flying.

"It was great to hear someone from the highest ranks reminisce about his time spent with the medical team," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Eric Evans, an aviation medical technician aboard USS George H.W. Bush. "He's worked with medical departments throughout his career so he truly appreciates the job we do."

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

For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/.