It takes millions of man-hours and nearly seven years to build a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. There are many construction milestones that happen along the way - starting with the laying of the keel and ending with delivery to the Navy. Below are some of the milestones for the George H.W. Bush.

Catapult Testing - January 25, 2008

Christening - October 7, 2006

Island Landing - July 8, 2006

Upper Bow Lift - March 15, 2006

Lower Bow Lift - March 8, 2005

Keel Laying - September 6, 2003

CVN 77 Naming Ceremony - December 9, 2002