USS George H.W. Bush Returns to Norfolk

July 17, 2013

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) returned to its homeport of Norfolk after a successful completion of yet another historic underway, July 16.

During the underway, the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator (UCAS-D) made its first carrier-based arrested landing on board the ship’s flight deck.

“I am extremely pleased about how this underway went,” said Capt. Andrew J. Loiselle, CVN 77’s commanding officer. “This ship met all objectives and did everything asked of them and the distinguished visitors for the UCAS-D were handled with unbelievable precision.”

This monumental event happened just two months after the UCAS-D’s successful carrier-based catapult and touch-and-go operations on board CVN 77’s flight deck.

“Seeing the UCAS-D accomplish all these historic things was exciting and a key stepping stone to our military’s future,” said Religious Programs Specialist 3rd Class Tyler Williams. “It was pretty cool to be on the ship during this and part of our nation’s history.”

Also during the weeklong underway, the ship completed three general quarters drills, including one chemical, biological, radiological attack drill and Sailors were given the opportunity to take part in the American Diversity Heritage Observance Committee (ADHOC) celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage month.

“I think it is important for us to understand a little bit about where everyone comes from and a little bit about their background,” said Lt. Lisseth Calvio, the ship’s ADHOC chair. “I think being able to learn about that can really help us to become a better and stronger crew.”

USS George H.W. Bush is in port conducting training operations in preparation for the upcoming Tailored Ship’s Training Availability/Final Evaluation Phase.

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Press Release, July 17, 2013; Image: US Navy