"... And now, Officers and Crew of the USS George H.W. Bush man our ship and bring her to life!"
And with a vaulted "AYE AYE Ma'am!" the crew of the USS GHW Bush responded to the long awaited order from Dora Bush Koch, the ship's sponsor, and did just that, brought the US Navy's newest aircraft carrier to life.
It was a pleasure to serve witness on this historic, bright, brisk January morning as the crew of CVN-77 charged aboard their newly designated United States Ship. The pride was apparent as many crew members not only ran aboard to man their stations but had the pleasure of double timing past the official party on "El-2!" Much to the President's and the namesake former President's delight.
The weather for this occasion was rare in GHW's history, for once the earlier forecast of showers and cold were not to be. We the 20,000 witnesses were greeted by crisp breezes full of sunshine! Unlike the christening, and other shipyard battles against hurricanes. We were all thankful!
As I sat listening to the favored remarks by the likes of Secretary of Defense Gates, and CNO, Admiral Roughead, I couldn't help but think about the pride this plank owning crew must feel in reaching this hard worked for goal, and the sense of relief mixed with anticipation of the missions to come. For this day closed but one chapter in the long story that will be USS George H.W. Bush.
I especially had an appreciation for George W. Bush as he got to watch his father's pride pour forth as a grateful nation recognized the accomplishments, and more importantly the dignity of the former Naval Aviator from Milton, Massachusetts, as we commissioned the most recognizable piece of US sovereign territory in his name.
I had the honor of sitting with my father, himself a Naval Aviator and former Commanding Officer of the Carrier USS Midway, as he watched with knowing acknowledgement toward the efforts and accomplishments of USS Bush's first CO. Dad's eyes beamed as a reminiscent smile crossed his lips when Captain Kevin O'Flaherty assumed proud command of the vessel he and his crew worked so many o' long hour to bring to life. Dad too was thinking of the many adventures still to come for this man and his crew.
Well done USS George H. W. Bush, it was an honor and a privilege to be witness to your commissioning.
Fair winds and following seas...
Note: All photos were taken by John Carmichael, Editor Tailhook Daily Briefing.
Hey - I'm a plankowner too. Fact is as a civilian donor to the commissioning committee, I received an honory plankowner certificate signed by the captain and the command master chief.
I too was there from Minnesota, my first commissioning, and wow, what an event.
Posted by: Wharf Rat | June 10, 2009 at 14:24
My son Adam is a plank owner on CVN 77. It truly was a remarkable day that January day on Pier 14.
They are out to sea for 14 days after an 11 day cruise that ended last Friday AM May 28.
I shall repeat what the ships namesake offered at the commissioning. "God bless the men and women who will sail on CVN 77".
She truly is remarkable ship.
God bless this great land.
Kevin Sethre
Inver Grove, Minn
Posted by: Kevin Sethre | June 01, 2009 at 20:37