About this Unit
USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) is the tenth and final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, commissioned on January 10, 2009. Named in honor of the 41st U.S. President and World War II naval aviator George H. W. Bush, the ship serves as a key element of U.S. naval power projection. Since entering service, CVN 77 has participated in numerous multinational exercises, responded to global crises, and supported combat operations, including air strikes against ISIS during Operation Inherent Resolve. The carrier continues to serve as the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 2, maintaining readiness and presence in critical regions worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Tribute: USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) is named after the 41st President of the United States, who was also a decorated naval aviator during World War II. She is the only U.S. aircraft carrier named for a living former president at the time of her christening.
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Final Nimitz-class Carrier: CVN 77 is the tenth and last of the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarriers, representing the culmination of over three decades of carrier development.
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Commissioning Ceremony: The ship was commissioned on January 10, 2009, at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Both President George H. W. Bush and his son, President George W. Bush, attended the event.
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Distinctive Technology: While a Nimitz-class carrier, CVN 77 incorporates numerous technological upgrades over her predecessors, including improved nuclear reactor plant design, advanced radar systems, and a redesigned island structure.
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Emblem and Motto: The ship’s crest features a fouled anchor, an F4U Corsair silhouette, and the phrase "Freedom at Work"—a nod to President Bush’s Navy service and the ship’s mission.
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Maiden Deployment: USS George H. W. Bush embarked on her first deployment in May 2011, joining operations in the Mediterranean Sea and supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
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Combat Operations: In 2014, the ship played a key role in launching airstrikes against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, marking its first combat operations.
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Historic Carrier Qualifications: Barbara Bush, the former First Lady, personally launched the ship’s commissioning, and the Bush family has maintained close ties, visiting the crew on several occasions.
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Record-Breaking Sorties: During her 2014 deployment, CVN 77 launched over 1,900 combat sorties and dropped more than 250 precision-guided munitions in support of coalition operations.
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Legacy and Honors: Crew members often refer to themselves as the “Avengers,” in honor of the TBM Avenger aircraft flown by George H. W. Bush in WWII. The ship has received the Battle “E” award for excellence in battle efficiency.
