The 10th and last of the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers is named in honor of World War II naval aviator and 41st President of the United States, George Herbert Walker Bush.

July 8, 2006 Ships 700-ton island superstructure is placed on the flight deck, completing the last of 162 super lift evolutions scheduled during the construction of the tenth and last Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), at the Northrop Grumman shipyard in Newport News, Virginia.

Some of the new advanced technologies and designs incorporated into CVN 77 will transition to the newest class of aircraft carriers, CVN 21. The advancements include a new automated JP-5 fuel system with an improved fuel filtration system; an enhanced radio automation center; a composite mast that will reduce topside weight up to 5 tons and decrease the number of electromagnetic blockages; a new marine sewage system and new propellers.

October 7, The Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) George H.W. Bush was christened during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard, Newport News, Va. Capt. Kevin O'Flaherty is the prospective commanding officer.

December 19, 2008 CVN 77 is 97 percent complete and should be finished by the end of March 2009. The $6.3 billion ship was originally scheduled for completion in April 2008, but Northrop Grumman has delayed it three times. The aircraft carrier will be given the status "In Commission, Special" on Jan. 10. This allows it to take the name USS George H.W. Bush but means the Navy still won't "own" it yet. This is not the first time a ship has been commissioned before delivery. It has happened with 15 previous ships, the most recent being the Los Angeles-class submarine Chicago, in 1986.

December 23, PCU George H.W. Bush was moved from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Newport News to Norfolk Naval Station.

January 10, 2009 USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) was commissioned during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony at Norfolk Naval Station's Pier 14.

February 13, The Bush departed Norfolk for sea trials, a couple of weeks later than originally planned.

February 25, Capt. DeWolfe H. Miller, III relieved Capt. Kevin E. O’Flaherty as CO of USS George H.W. Bush during a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk.

April 7, CVN 77 departed homeport for acceptance trials, the final underway before the Navy take over the ship.

May 11, After several weeks delays, cause of unidentified material in the lube-oil systems of two of the carrier's emergency diesel generators, U.S. Navy took delivery of the George H.W. Bush in an afternoon ceremony.

May 19, USS George H.W. Bush reached another milestone when an F/A-18F Super Hornet, from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, became the first aircraft to be catapulted from the ship's flight deck at 3:03 p.m. local time.

May 29, The U.S. Navy's newest aricraft carrier sucssesfully completed its first flight deck certification on May 26.

June 4, CVN 77 is currently conducting Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRS-CQ) off the East Coast.

June 19, USS George H.W. Bush pulled into Newport News shipyard for a Post Shakedown Availability (PSA)/Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) that will include the installation of a new fresh water purification system, combat system and radar upgrades.

January 29, 2010 The George H.W. Bush returned to Norfolk Naval Station after a two-day sea trials completing the seven-month maintenance period.

February 2, The Bush departed homeport for flight deck certification and CQ with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8.

February 27, CVN 77 is currently underway in the Atlantic Ocean supporting fleet training operations.

March 10, USS George H.W. Bush arrived in Naval Station Mayport to pick up supplies and personnel to support carrier qualifications off the coast of Florida.

March 25, The aircraft carrier returned to Norfolk from its first assessment with the Board of Inspection and Survey.

April 8, USS George H.W. Bush returned to homeport after a routine training off the East Coast.

April 19, The Bush is currently conducting fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean.

May 1, CVN 77 departed Naval Station Norfolk for a Friends and Family Day Cruise.

May 20, USS George H.W. Bush is currently conducting CQ with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 off the East Coast.

June 9, The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier recently departed Norfolk for training operations in the Atlantic Ocean.

June 23, USS George H.W. Bush successfully fired two Evolved NATO Sea Sparrow missiles and two Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) for the first time, to conclude its first Combat Systems Ship's Qualification Trials (CSSQT).

July 17, The Bush is currently underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting Naval Aviation Training Command carrier qualifications with Training Air Wings One and Two.

July 29, Rear Adm. Nora W. Tyson relieved Capt. Jeffrey Hesterman as Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, during a change-of-command ceremony on board the George H.W. Bush at Norfolk Naval Station.

August 12, Vice Adm. Daniel P. Holloway relieved Vice Adm. Melvin G. Williams Jr. as Commander, U.S. Second Fleet, and Director, Joint Operations From the Sea Centre of Excellence, during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the CVN 77.

August 20, USS George H.W. Bush is currently conducting FRS-CQ in the Atlantic Ocean.

September 3, The Bush conducted ammunition onload with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5), from Aug. 30 - Sept. 1, in preparation for its maiden deployment next year.

September 10, The last Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is underway in the Atlantic Ocean for routine training.

September 21, USS George H.W. Bush departed Norfolk Naval Station for Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRS-CQ). CVN 77 permanently embarked its strike group, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, for the first time Sept. 20.

October 4, The Bush departed homeport to begin its Tailored Ship's Training Availability/Final Evaluation Period (TSTA/FEP).

October 28, USS George H.W. Bush, along with USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), USS Gettysburg (CG 64) and USS Mitscher (DDG 57), successfully sank the former U.S. Navy re-supply ship USNS Saturn (T-AFS 10), during a sinking exercise (SINKEX), Oct. 26-27.

December 1, CVN 77 departed Norfolk for a fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications.

December 3, The rigid hull inflatable boat from the Bush provided assistance, early morning, to a catamaran "Shangri-La", that run out of fuel and lost its sail, about 90 miles off Cape Hatteras, N.C.

December 9, USS George H.W. Bush departed Mayport Naval Station after a brief port call.

December 11, The aircraft carrier is currently conducting CQ with the training squadrons.

December 15, The Bush was diverted late Wednesday, just before pulling into homeport, to assist an injured sailor aboard a Navy submarine operating in the Atlantic Ocean. The sailor had a head injury and the last reported medical assessment was that he "appears stable." USS Booone (FFG 28) was also ordered to assist.

December 16, The sailor was transfered to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, by an MH-60S "Knighthawk" assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, for evaluation and possible further treatment. The SH-60B "Seahawk" from HSL-42 provided surface surveillance and search and rescue support during the medical evacuation. CVN 77 returned to Naval Station Norfolk Dec. 17.

January 19, 2011 USS George H.W. Bush CSG departed Naval Station Norfolk for Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX).

February 9, Cmdr. Jeffrey A. Bernhard relieved Cmdr. Thomas M. Neill as CO of the "Bear Aces" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony.

February 11, The George H.W. Bush pulled into Mayport Naval Station for a three-day port call after completing the COMPTUEX.

March 17, Capt. Brian E. Luther relieved Capt. DeWolfe H. Miller III as CO of the Bush during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship at Norfolk.

March 21, CVN 77 departed homeport for routine training operations off the East Coast.

April 7, USS George H.W. Bush recently returned to Norfolk after conducting carrier qualifications for Naval Air Training Command (NATRACOM).

May 11, USS George H.W. Bush departed Naval Station Norfolk for its maiden deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet AoR. This is also the first deployment of Boeing EA-18G Growler, assigned to "Shadowhawks" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, aboard the aircraft carrier.

May 20, The Bush CSG is currently participating in a British navy-sponsored joint exercise Saxon Warrior 2011, off the coast of Wales and South West England, May 19-26.

May 27, USS George H.W. Bush anchored in the Solent strait for a four-day visit to Portsmouth, England.

June 6, CVN 77 anchored off the coast of Cartagena, Spain, for a three-day port call.

June 11, The George H.W. Bush anchored off the coast of Naples, Italy, for a three-day port visit.

June 21, USS George H.W. Bush entered the Gulf of Aden after transiting Bab el-Mandeb Strait, reliving the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) on station in the Central Command AoO.

July 10, The Bush moored at Khalifa Bin Salman Port at Hidd, Bahrain, for a four-day visit to Manama.

July 18, Capt. Daniel W. Dwyer, Deputy Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, completed his 1,000th arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier with the trap of an F/A-18A+ assigned to the "Golden Warriors" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87. Aircraft from CVW-8 recently launched its first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

July 19, Cmdr. Karl Pugh, CO of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, was relieved of command following non-judicial punishment proceedings for an alcohol-related incident on July 12. XO Cmdr. Michael J. Miller is new commanding officer of the "Shadowhawks".

August 1, Capt. Jeffrey A. Davis, Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, completed his 1,000th arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier with the trap of an F/A-18F assigned to the "Black Lions" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213.

August 31, USS George H.W. Bush arrived in Jebel Ali, U.A.E., for a four-day port visit to Dubai.

September 17, Cmdr. Scott S. Troyer relieved Cmdr. Christopher T. Petrock as CO of the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony.

October 14, The Bush departed Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, after a four-day port call.

November 20, USS George H.W. Bush CSG transited Suez Canal after completing operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet AoR. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 conducted more than 2,200 combat sorties in support of operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

November 25, CVN 77 arrived in Marseille, France, for a four-day port visit.

December 8, The Carrier Strike Group pulled into Naval Station Mayport for a brief port call to pick up more than 1200 "Tigers" and to disembark the crew members of the "Spartans" of Helicopter Strike Maritime Squadron (HSM) 70.

December 10, USS George H.W. Bush CSG returned to Norfolk after a seven-month deployment.

January 12, 2012 Rear Adm. Gregory M. Nosal relieved Rear Adm. Nora W. Tyson as Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Bush at Naval Station Norfolk.

January 24, USS George H.W. Bush departed homeport to conduct Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRS-CQ); Underway again for Naval Air Training Command (NATRACOM) CQ.

March 1, USS George H.W. Bush completed a two-day magnetic deperming at Lambert Point Magnetic Treatment Facility.

March 12, CVN 77 departed Naval Station Norfolk for FRS/TRACOM Carrier Qualifications and ammunition offload.

March 20, An MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 22, landed for the first time aboard the U.S. aircraft carrier, while conducting test operations with USS George H.W. Bush, in the Atlantic Ocean.

April 21, The George H.W. Bush departed Norfolk for an 18-day underway to conduct FRS/CVW-3 CQ and testing with the MV-22 Osprey and SA-330J Puma aircraft; Conducted ammo offload with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) from April 28-30.

June 10, CVN 77 hosted the ship’s namesake, former President George H.W. Bush, and his son, former President George W. Bush, for a promotion and reenlistment ceremony off the coast of Kennebunkport, Maine. The aircraft carrier is currently underway for routine training in preparation for the upcoming inspections and certifications.

June 18, USS George H.W. Bush departed Naval Station Norfolk for a two-week underway to conduct Carrier Qualifications (CQ) with the CVW-8 and Naval Air Training Command (NATRACOM).

July 9, The 10th Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is currently underway for routine training in the VACAPES Op. Area.

July 25, USS George H.W. Bush entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) in Portsmouth, Va., for a four-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA).

December 4, The GHWB returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a three-day sea trials.

January 7, 2013 CVN 77 departed homeport for an 11-day underway to conduct flight deck certification, CVW-1/FRS CQ and ammo onload with the USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12).

January 24, USS George H.W. Bush departed Norfolk for a 15-day underway to conduct FRS/TRACOM Carrier Qualifications (CQ) and testing with the MV-22 Osprey from VMX-22.

March 1, Rear Adm. John C. Aquilino relieved Rear Adm. Gregory M. Nosal as Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the George H.W. Bush.

March 18, The Bush departed Naval Station Norfolk for a four-day underway to conduct routine training in the Virginia Capes Op. Area.

March 19, USS George H.W. Bush conducted at-sea testing and data collection of Rapid Prototype Torpedo Warning System (TWS) and Countermeasure Anti-Torpedo (CAT) system, for the first time aboard the aircraft carrier, with the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) PMS 415's Surface Ship Torpedo Defense (SSTD) team.

April 16, USS George H.W. Bush departed Norfolk for a 13-day underway to conduct FRS/TRACOM/CVW-8 Carrier Qualifications (CQ).

May 14, An X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator (UCAS-D) was launched from the George H.W. Bush, off the coast of Virginia, in a first-ever launch of an unmanned aircraft from a modern aircraft carrier. Controlled by a mission operator aboard the ship, the X-47B executed several carrier approaches demonstrating its ability to operate seamlessly within the carrier environment before it landed back at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., where two demonstration aircraft have resided for the past year; Commenced touch and go landing operations on May 17.

May 24, USS George H.W. Bush returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a 12-day underway in the VACAPES Op. Area. The ship also tested a new torpedo self defense system and completed more than 115 launches and landings in assessing a precision landing system; Underway for a Training Command (TRACOM) CQ from June 4-12.

June 20, Capt. Andrew J. Loiselle relieved Capt. Brian E. Luther as the 4th CO of CVN 77 during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship at Norfolk.

June 21, Rear Adm. Troy M. Shoemaker relieved Rear Adm. Ted N. Branch as Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the CVN 77.

July 8, USS George H.W. Bush departed homeport to conduct routine training and the first carrier arrested landing of an X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator, off the coast of Virginia on Wednesday; Returned to Norfolk on July 16; Underway for a Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) from July 30- Aug. 23; Underway for routine training from Aug. 26-31, Sept. 24-30 and Nov. 12-15.

November 20, The George H.W. Bush CSG departed Naval Station Norfolk for a 29-day underway to conduct Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX).

From December 16-18, the aircraft from CVW-8 conducted live bombing runs at the Navy's Pinecastle Bombing Range in Ocala National Forest, Florida. The purpose of the training was to give the air crews an opportunity to practice dropping live ordnance at the range.

February 15, 2014 USS George H.W. Bush departed homeport for a scheduled Middle East deployment.

February 17, Rear Adm. DeFolfe H. Miller, III relieved Rear Adm. John C. Aquilino as Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the CVN 77.

February 27, The George H.W. Bush CSG entered the Mediterranean Sea after transiting Strait of Gibraltar.

March 4, USS George H.W. Bush anchored in Phaleron Bay for a three-day port visit to Piraeus and Athens, Greece; Anchored off Antalya, Turkey, from March 9-12; Conducted a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with the FS Cassard (D614) on March 13.

March 19, The GHWB Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2 entered the Red Sea after transiting Suez Canal; Conducted turnover with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 50 in the Gulf of Aden on March 22.

March 26, Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 launched its first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, from the station in the North Arabian Sea.

March 31, USS George H.W. Bush participated in an air defense exercise (ADEX) with the USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), SPS Cristobal Colon (F 105) and ITS Francesco Mimbelli (D561). Transited Strait of Hormuz northbound on April 20.

April 22, CVN 77 moored at Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP), Bahrain, for a five-day port call; Departed Arabian Gulf on April 28.

May 24, USS George H.W. Bush pulled into Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, for a four-day liberty visit to Dubai; Departed Arabian Gulf on May 29.

June 9, Cmdr. Christopher C. Jason relieved Cmdr. Aron F. Buckles as CO of the "Garudas" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony in the North Arabian Sea.

June 14, The George H.W. Bush CSG transited the Strait of Hormuz northbound after U.S. Defense Secretary Charles T. Hagel ordered the Strike Group to enter Arabian Gulf for any possible military options in Iraq, after Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) insurgents took several major cities, in the last five days, threatening to move south to the capital of Baghdad.

June 18, Airman Collin Kohlhepp was seriously injured after his leg was caught under the wheel of a jet while being towed on the carrier's flight deck.

June 19, Aircraft from CVW-8 launched its first combat sorties on missions over Iraq.

July 11, Capt. Robert W. Bodvake relieved Capt. Kenneth A. Long as Commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22, during a change-of-command ceremony on board the Bush in the NAG.

August 2, USS George H.W. Bush moored at Quay 9 in Port of Jebel Ali, U.A.E., for a four-day liberty visit to Dubai.

August 18, Two U.S. Army AH-64E Apaches, assigned to the 3-159th Aviation Regiment, 12th CAB, landed for the first time aboard the CVN 77 during a training exercise, while the carrier was underway in the North Arabian Gulf.

August 22, Cmdr. Ted C. Ricciardella relieved Cmdr. Clarke F. Craine as CO of the "Black Lions" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony.

September 5, USS George H.W. Bush pulled again into Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, for a four-day port visit.

September 18, Cmdr. Timothy D. Muller relieved Cmdr. Nicholas D. Good as CO of the "Valions" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 15, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony.

September 23, Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 launched its first air strikes, in the early morning hours, on ISIL targets in Syria.

October 5, USS George H.W. Bush moored at Berth 6, Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Hidd, Bahrain, for a four-day liberty visit to Manama; Conducted turnover with the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) on Oct. 18; Departed Arabian Gulf on Oct. 20.

While on stations in the North Arabian Sea and North Arabian Gulf (NAG), CVW-8 launched 3,245 combat sorties with 18,333 combat flight hours and expended more than 120,000 pounds of ordnance in support of OEF in Afghanistan and Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria.

October 21, CVN 77 moored at General Cargo Terminal in Port of Duqm, Oman, for a brief port call; Transited the Suez Canal on Oct. 27; Transited the Strait of Messina on Oct. 30.

November 1, The George H.W. Bush moored at Berth 163, Leon Gourret Cruise Terminal in Marseille, France, for a three-day port visit; Transited the Strait of Gibraltar on Nov. 6.

November 15, USS George H.W. Bush returned to Norfolk after a nine-month combat deployment.

January 8, 2015 Rear Adm. John R. Haley relieved Rear Adm. Troy M. Shoemaker as Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the GHWB.

January 31, The George H.W. Bush departed Naval Station Norfolk for a six-day underway to conduct Carrier Qualifications (CQ) with the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 and ammo offload with the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71); Underway for Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) CQ from Feb. 10-18.

April 3, General Dynamics Norfolk was awarded a $35,1 million modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-4303) for the Bush's Planned Incremental Availability (PIA). Work will be performed at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and is expected to be completed by December.

April 11, USS George H.W. Bush returned to homeport after a 10-day underway for FRS/TRACOM CQ; Underway for FRS-CQ, testing with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 and ammo offload with the USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12) from April 17-26; Underway for a Friends and Family Day Cruise on May 2; Underway for FRS-CQ from May 6-9.

June 16, The George H.W. Bush moored at Super Pier 5, Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va., for a nine-month PIA. The availability will be extended for three months largely due to increse in complexity of the upcoming Vacuum Collection Holding Tanks (VCHT) ship alterations.

October 9, Capt. William C. Pennington, Jr., relieved Capt. Andrew J. Loiselle as the 5th CO of George H.W. Bush during a change-of-command ceremony at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk.

July 23, 2016 USS George H.W. Bush departed Norfolk Naval Shipyard for sea trials, in the Virginia Capes Op. Area, following an extended 13-month availability; Moored at Pier 11N on July 27; Underway for flight deck certification and Carrier Qualifications (CQ) with the CVW-8 on Aug. 8.

From August 14-16, The GHWB onloaded four million pounds of ordnance during the ammunition transfer with the USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); Moored at Pier 14S on Aug. 18; Underway for FRS/TRACOM CQ from Aug. 22- Sept. 1.

October 3, USS George H.W. Bush moored at Pier 14S on Naval Station Norfolk after a three-week underway for Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP); Moored at Pier 14N after underway for a Friends and Family Day Cruise on Oct. 15.

November 18, Rear Adm. Kenneth R. Whitesell relieved Rear Adm. Brian E. Luther as Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2 during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the George H.W. Bush.

December 3, Capt. Vorrice J. Burks, deputy commander of CVW-8, completed his 1,000th arrested landing on board the aircraft carrier with the trap of an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31.

December 21, CVN 77 moored at Pier 14S on Naval Station Norfolk after a 23-day underway for Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX).

January 21, 2017 USS George H.W. Bush departed Norfolk for a scheduled deployment.

February 2, The GHWB Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2 entered the Mediterranean Sea after transiting Strait of Gibraltar.

February 6, USS George H.W. Bush moored at West Berth K14, NATO Fuel Depot in Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, for an extended five-day liberty port visit.

February 13, Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 launched its first combat sorties in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, while the Bush was underway in the eastern Mediterranean.

February 22, Cmdr. Kevin E. Robb relieved Cmdr. Douglas M. Langenberg as CO of the "Blacklions" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony.

February 25, USS George H.W. Bush moored again at Berth K14 in Souda Bay for an eight-day upkeep; Participated in a passing exercise (PASSEX), with the USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and HS Kountouriotis (F462), on March 5.

March 10, USS George H.W. Bush, along with the USS Philippine Sea, HDMS Peter Willemoes (F362) and USNS Arctic (T-AOE 6), transited the Suez Canal southbound; Transited the Bab-el Mandeb Strait on March 14; Transited the Strait of Hormuz northbound on March 21.

March 22, Cmdr. Christian P. Goodman relieved Cmdr. Justin T. Fauntleroy as CO of the "Bear Aces" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony.

April 12, USS George H.W. Bush moored at Berth 6, Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) for a four-day liberty visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

May 7, Capt. James A. McCall, III, Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 completed his 1,000th arrested landing on board the aircraft carrier with the trap of an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213.

May 13, USS George H.W. Bush moored at Berth 58/59, Quay 9 in Port of Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, for a four-day liberty visit to Dubai.

May 29, The George H.W. Bush, along with the USS Philippine Sea, transited the Strait of Hormuz southbound; Transited the Suez Canal northbound on June 5; While on station in the North Arabian Gulf (NAG), the CVW-8 launched more than 1000 combat sorties and expended 813,000 pounds of ordnance on Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria.

June 18, An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, scored its first air-to-air kill when a Syrian Su-22 Fitter was shot down, about 6:50 p.m. local time, near the contested ISIS stronghold of Raqqah.

June 23, The George H.W. Bush made a brief stop approximately 50 nautical miles west of Cyprus for a "swim call."

July 1, USS George H.W. Bush anchored 4 n.m. off the coast of Haifa, Israel, for a four-day liberty port visit to celebrate the Independence Day, first by U.S. aircraft carrier after more than 17 years.

From July 12-19, 10 F/A-18C Hornets, assigned to the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, were grounded for suspected cockpit air problems after two pilots reported "physiological episodes" on back-to-back days.

July 20, The George H.W. Bush concluded its support in Operation Inherent Resolve, expending more than 1.7 million pounds of ordnance since February.

July 24, USS George H.W. Bush, along with the USS Philippine Sea, USS Truxtun (DDG 103) and USNS Arctic, transited the Strait of Gibraltar westbound.

July 27, CVN 77 anchored at Anchorage "C" in Central Solent, off Stokes Bay, Gosport, for a five-day port visit to Portsmouth, U.K., before participating in a multinational exercise Saxon Warrior 17; Transited the North Minch Strait northbound on Aug. 7.

August 8, USS George H.W. Bush participated in a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) with the USS Philippine Sea, USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08), HMS Iron Duke (F234), HMS Westminster (F237) and HNoMS Helge Ingstad (F313), while underway in the Outer Moray Firth, off the northeast coast of Scotland; Transited the Dover Strait southbound on Aug. 11; Transited the English Channel westbound on Aug. 12.

August 19, The George H.W. Bush moored at Wharf C2 on Naval Station Mayport, Fla., for a brief port call to disembark the crew members of Helicopter Strike Maritime Squadron (HSM) 70 and to embark friends and family members for a Tiger Cruise.

August 21, USS George H.W. Bush moored at Pier 14N on Naval Station Norfolk following a seven-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibility (AoR).

September 29, Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News Shipbuilding was awarded a $13,2 million modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-17-C-4103) for the planning requirement of USS George H.W. Bush's Drydocking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA). Work is expected to be completed by November 2018.

October 5, Rear Adm. Stephen C. Evan relieved Rear Adm. Kenneth R. Whitesell as Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2 during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the George H.W. Bush.

October 28, USS George H.W. Bush moored at Pier 11S on Naval Station Norfolk after an 11-day underway in support of a multinational amphibious exercise Bold Alligator 17; Underway for CQ with the Training Air Wing (TW) 1 and 2 on Dec. 9.

December 15, The Bush conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), while underway approximately 35 n.m. northeast of Port Everglades, Florida; Moored at Pier 14S in Naval Station Norfolk on Dec. 17.

January 12, 2018 Capt. Sean R. Bailey relieved Capt. William C. Pennington, Jr., as the 6th CO of CVN 77 during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship.

January 31, USS George H.W. Bush moored at Pier 14N after a two-day underway for Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) preparations; Underway for INSURV rehearsal from Feb. 13-14; Underway for INSURV assessment from Feb. 27-28; Underway for FRS Carrier Qualifications (CQ) on March 20.

From March 25-27, the George H.W. Bush conducted ammunition offload with the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), while underway in the Charleston Op. Area; Conducted CQ for the Naval Air Training Command (TRACOM), in the Jacksonville Op. Area, from March 29-31; Returned home on April 2; Underway for routine training from April 22-26.

May 4, Adm. Christopher W. Grady relieved Adm. Philip S. Davidson as Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Bush.

May 7, USS George H.W. Bush, with an embarked 350 French Navy personnel, departed homeport to conduct CQ with the CVW-8, in the Virginia Capes and Cherry Point Op. Areas; Embarked 12 Rafale M aircraft from the Flottille 17F and one E-2C Hawkeye, assigned to Flottille 4F from NAS Lann-Bihoue, in support of Chesapeake 2018 on May 10; Moored at Pier 14S on May 18.

June 13, The George H.W. Bush moored at Pier 14N on Naval Station Norfolk after a nine-day underway for routine training in the Virginia Capes Op. Area; Underway again on June 22.

From June 24-26, the GHWB conducted CQ with the Training Air Wing (TW) 1 and 2 in the Jacksonville Op. Area; Moored at Pier 12N on June 28; Underway for FRS/TRACOM CQ on July 30.

August 1, Lt. Gavin L. Kurey became the first U.S. Navy pilot to land an MV-22 Osprey, assigned to the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21, on board the aircraft carrier.

August 12, The George H.W. Bush moored at Pier 12N on Naval Station Norfolk.

August 24, Vice Adm. Andrew L. Lewis assumed command of the U.S. 2nd Fleet during a re-establishment ceremony aboard the CVN 77.

August 30, USS George H.W. Bush returned to homeport after a five-day underway for routine training in the Virginia Capes Op. Area; Emergency sortied due to approaching Hurricane Florence on Sept. 10; Arrived in the Key West Op. Area on Sept. 13; Transited northbound on Sept. 14; Transited southbound again on Sept. 16.

September 17, Airman Apprentice Joseph Min Naglak was killed by the propeller of an E-2C Hawkeye, after he secured the plane to the flight deck around 4.45 p.m., while the George H.W. Bush was underway approximately 80 n.m. south of Miami, Florida.

From September 17-21, the George H.W. Bush was underway in the Key West Op. Area for Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRS-CQ); Transited northbound on Sept. 22; Conducted TRACOM-CQ from Sept. 23-25; Departed Jacksonville Op. Area on Sept. 27.

September 28, USS George H.W. Bush moored at Pier 12N in Naval Station Norfolk on Friday evening; Underway again on Nov. 1.

From November 2-5, The George H.W. Bush conducted FRS/CVW-3/CVW-8 CQ in the Cherry Point Op. Area; Conducted TRACOM-CQ in the Jacksonville Op. Area from Nov. 7-9; Returned home on Nov. 11.

December 2, USS George H.W. Bush departed Naval Station Norfolk for testing with the V-22 Osprey, assigned to the Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMX) 1, and FRS-CQ; Conducted operations in the Key West Op. Area from Dec. 7-9; Conducted operations off the coast of Virginia from Dec. 11-12; Moored at Pier 14S on Dec. 13.

January 7, 2019 General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO) was awarded a $91,4 million modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-16-C-4306) for the USS George H.W. Bush's Drydocking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA). Work is expected to be completed by February 2021.

January 19, The George H.W. Bush moored at Pier 12S on Naval Station Norfolk after a two-day underway off the coast of Virginia; Moved "dead-stick" to Dry Dock #8, Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va., on Feb. 21.

May 1, 2020 Capt. George R. Aguilar relieved Capt. Sean R. Bailey as CO of the George H.W. Bush during a brief change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship.

August 29, USS George H.W. Bush undocked and moored at Super Pier 5N on Norfolk Naval Shipyard; Moved to Super Pier 5S on June 12, 2021; Underway for sea trials on Aug. 26; Moored at Pier 12N in Naval Station Norfolk on Aug. 30; Underway for flight deck certification and CQ with the CVW-7, in the Virginia Capes Op. Area, from Sept. 5-12; Underway again on Sept. 15.

From September 15-17, the George H.W. Bush conducted Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRS-CQ), in the Virginia Capes Op. Area; Conducted TRACOM-CQ, in the Jacksonville Op. Area, from Sept. 19-21.

September 23, USS George H.W. Bush moored at Pier 14N on Naval Station Norfolk; Underway for FRS-CQ, in the Virginia Capes and Cherry Point Op. Areas, on Oct. 24; Moored at Pier 12S on Nov. 4; Underway for a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) assessment from Nov. 15-16; Moved to Pier 14N on Dec. 3.

December 7, Adm. Daryl L. Caudle relieved Adm. Christopher W. Grady as Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Bush.

December 11, USS George H.W. Bush departed homeport for FRS/TRACOM CQ and to conduct testing with the MQ-25A T-1 "Stingray" prototype. CVN 77 will be the first aircraft carrier to be upgraded with the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System (UMCS).

December 12, An F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft, assigned to the "Rough Riders" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125, landed for the first time aboard the Bush, while underway in the Virginia Capes Op. Area.

Fom December 15-18, the George H.W. Bush was underway in the Jacksonville Op. Area; Moored at Pier 12S in Naval Station Norfolk on Dec. 19; Underway for FRS-CQ in the Virginia Capes Op. Area from Jan. 23-28; Underway again on Feb. 2; Conducted ammo onload with the USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE 13) from Feb. 3-4; Returned home on Feb. 5.

March 11, 2022 USS George H.W. Bush moored at Pier 12N on Naval Station Norfolk afrer a 24-day underway for Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP), with the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, in the Jacksonville, Charleston and Cherry Point Op. Areas; Underway for Rapid Prototype Torpedo Warning System (TWS) testing, in the Virginia Capes Op. Area, from March 14-17.

April 6, Rear Adm. Dennis Velez relieved Rear Adm. Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., as Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the CVN 77.

April 7, USS George H.W. Bush departed homeport for FRS-CQ in the Virginia Capes Op. Area; Conducted ammo onload with the USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), while underway off the coast of North Carolina, on April 16; Moored at Pier 12N on April 22.

May 19, Capt. David-Tavis M. Pollard relieved Capt. George R. Aguilar as the 8th CO of CVN 77 during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship.

June 30, The George H.W. Bush moored at Pier 14S on Naval Station Norfolk after a 30-day underway for Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), in the Jacksonville, Charleston and Cherry Point Op. Areas.

August 10, USS George H.W. Bush departed Norfolk for a scheduled deployment.

From August 11-18, the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 conducted operations in the Virginia Capes Op. Area; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) on Aug. 21; Transited the Strait of Gibraltar eastbound on Aug. 25.

August 27, The George H.W. Bush conducted ammo onload with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), while underway in the Ionian Sea; Transited the Strait of Otranto northbound on Aug. 28; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic on Aug. 30.

September 1, Cmdr. Erik H. Gustafson relieved Cmdr. Thomas Van Hoozer as CO of the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony, whiule underway in the southern Adriatic Sea.

September 6, USS George H.W. Bush conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic, while underway approximately 40 n.m. off the coast of Montenegro; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea again on Sept. 11; Participated in a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) with the USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and ITS Caio Duilio (D 554) on Sept. 19; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic on Sept. 20; Transited the Strait of Otranto southbound on Sept. 26.

September 27, The George H.W. Bush participated in a PHOTOEX with the USS Truxtun (DDG 103), SPS Juan Carlos I (L 61), SPS Castilla (L 52) and SPS Navarra (F 85), while underway in the Ionian Sea; Transited the Strait of Otranto northbound on Sept. 28; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic on Sept. 29.

October 1, Cmdr. Daniel J. Krause relieved Cmdr. Nelson Keyser as CO of the "Sidewinders" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony, while underway in the southern Adriatic Sea; Transited the Strait of Otranto southbound on Oct. 5.

October 6, USS George H.W. Bush moored at Berth K14 in Souda Bay, Greece, for a four-day liberty port visit; Transited the Strait of Otranto northbound on Oct. 12; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic, while underway in the southern Adriatic Sea, on Oct. 16; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196) on Oct. 20.

October 23, The George H.W. Bush conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), while underway in the southern Adriatic Sea; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Kanawha on Oct. 26; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS William McLean on Oct. 30.

November 3, USS George H.W. Bush anchored approximately 1 n.m. off the coast of Split, Croatia, for a four-day liberty port visit; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic on Nov. 12 and 19th; Transited the Strait of Otranto southbound on Nov. 22.?

November 25, The George H.W. Bush conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS William McLean, while underway in the Ionian Sea; Transited the Messina Strait northbound on Nov. 26; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic on Nov. 27.

November 28, USS George H.W. Bush anchored approximately 2 n.m. off the coast of Naples, Italy, for a week-long liberty port visit; Transited the Messina Strait southbound on Dec. 7; Transited the Strait of Otranto northbound on Dec. 9.?

December 11, The George H.W. Bush conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic, while underway in the southern Adriatic Sea; Participated in a PHOTOEX with the ITS Andrea Doria (D 553) on Dec. 15; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic on Dec. 19; Transited the Strait of Otranto southbound on Dec. 25; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic, while underway southeast of Balearic Islands, on Dec. 27.

December 29, USS George H.W. Bush moored at Berth 163, Leon Gourret Cruise Terminal in Marseille, France, for a five-day liberty port visit to celebrate the New Year's Eve; Transited eastbound, off the south coast of Sicily, on Jan. 6.

January 8, 2023 The George H.W. Bush conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic, while underway in the Ionian Sea; Transited the Strait of Otranto northbound on Jan. 8.?

January 15, Cmdr. Jeffrey J. Creighan relieved Cmdr. Jason N. Papadopoulos as CO of the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony, while underway in the southern Adriatic Sea.

January 18, The George H.W. Bush conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic, while underway in the southern Adriatic Sea; Transited the Strait of Otranto southbound on Jan. 20; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic, while underway south of Crete, on Jan. 22.

January 24, USS George H.W. Bush CSG participated in a PHOTOEX with five Israeli Navy ships, as part of a joint exercise Juniper Oak 23-2, while underway off the coast of Israel; Transited westbound, south of Crete, on Jan. 27; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Kanawha, while underway in the Ionian Sea, on Jan. 29; Transited the Strait of Otranto northbound, just before midnight, on Jan. 29; Transited southbound on Feb. 1.

February 3, CVN 77 anchored in Phaleron Bay, approximately 1 n.m. off the coast of Piraeus, Greece, for a four-day liberty port visit.

February 9, USS George H.W. Bush arrived off the coast of Mersin, Turkey, for possible Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response (HA/DR) operations, following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated Turkey and northern Syria on early Monday morning; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic on Feb. 10.

February 17, The George H.W. Bush conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic, while underway off the south coast of Crete; Transited the Strait of Otranto northbound on Feb. 19.

February 24, USS George H.W. Bush participated in a PHOTOEX with the USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119), SPS Juan Carlos I (L 61), ITS Cavour (CVH 550) and ITS Caio Duilio (D 554), while underway in the southern Adriatic Sea; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic on Feb. 26 and March 6.

March 8, Capt. Alex L. Hampton relieved Capt. Thomas T. Bodine as Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 during an aerial change-of-command ceremony, while underway in the southern Adriatic Sea.

March 8, USS George H.W. Bush CSG transited the Strait of Otranto southbound; Moored at Berth K14 in Souda Bay, Crete, from March 10-16.

March 17, Cmdr. Matthew Campbell relieved Cmdr. Robert T. Whitmore as CO of the "Bluetails" of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 121, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony, while underway southeast of Crete.

March 19, The George H.W. Bush conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic, while underway approximately 50 n.m. southwest of Zakynthos Island, Greece; Transited the Strait of Messina northbound on March 21.

March 22, Cmdr. Erik L. Halvorson relieved Cmdr. Alan Carlson as CO of the "Patriots" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony, while underway in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

March 31, USS George H.W. Bush CSG transited the Strait of Messina southbound; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic, while underway in the Ionian Sea, on April 1; Transited eastbound, south of Crete, on April 7; Transited westbound on April 9; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea again on April 10; Transited the Strait of Sicily on April 10; Transited the Strait of Gibraltar on April 12.

April 23, USS George H.W. Bush moored at Pier 14S on Naval Station Norfolk following an extended eight-and-a-half month deployment.

May 15, The George H.W. Bush departed Naval Station Norfolk for routine operations; Conducted ammo offload with the USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), while underway off the coast of North Carolina, from May 16-18; Returned home on May 19.

May 25, Rear Adm. Robert D. Westendorff relieved Rear Adm. Dennis Velez as Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the CVN 77.

June 8, USS George H.W. Bush moored at Pier 14S on Naval Station Norfolk after a day-long underway for a Friends and Family Cruise.

June 16, Capt. Peter F. Halvorsen relieved Capt. Stephen W. Aldridge as Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Bush.

June 28, USS George H.W. Bush moored at Pier 12N on Naval Station Norfolk after an eight-day underway for Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRS-CQ), in the Virginia Capes Op. Area.

November 29, General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk was awarded a $27 million modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-16-C-4306) for the USS George H.W. Bush's Planned Incremental Availability (PIA). Work is expected to be completed by July 2024.

January 11, 2024 USS George H.W. Bush moved "dead-stick" from Naval Station Norfolk to Super Pier 5N on Norfolk Naval Shipyard.