Northrop Grumman Christens George H.W. Bush Aircraft Carrier

(Left to right) President George W. Bush, Former President George H.W. Bush, and Mike Petters, president, Northrop Grumman Newport News, look on as Ship's Sponsor Doro Bush Koch christens CVN 77, the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush. “I would like to join my father, my brother, my family in saluting not only the men and women who built this remarkable ship, but also the courageous men and women who will soon man it,” Koch said before christening the ship. Photo by Chris Oxley Higher Resolution Image Former President George H.W. Bush speaks at the christening of CVN 77, the aircraft carrier bearing his name. “To say that I am pleased to be here is the classic understatement of the year,” he said. “This is any naval aviator’s dream come true.” Photo by Chris Oxley Higher Resolution Image President George W. Bush speaks at the christening of CVN 77, the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush. “The men and women of the U.S. military represent the best of America, and they deserve the best America can give them,” he said. “The George H.W. Bush is the best America can give them.” Photo by John Whalen Higher Resolution Image

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Oct. 7, 2006 – Northrop Grumman today christened the nation’s 10th and final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, George H. W. Bush (CVN 77). The ship’s namesake and 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush, attended the ceremony and became the first president in the shipyard’s 120-year history to participate in the christening of his namesake ship.

“I can’t wait to see this remarkable, state-of-the-art vessel go to sea,” Bush said, “and when it does, I want to get permission from the commander-in-chief to be on board. I hope the American people will accept my deepest gratitude for the chance to serve this nation, an honor that touches deep in my heart.”

Several members of the Bush family were on hand for the special occasion, including the former president’s wife Barbara and their daughter, Doro Bush Koch. Mrs. Koch serves as the ship’s sponsor and performed the traditional honor of breaking a bottle of American sparkling wine across the ship’s bow during the ceremony.

President George W. Bush also attended and honored his father during the ceremony as a special guest speaker.

“On this proud day,” President Bush said, “the children of George H.W. Bush bless their father’s name, the United States Navy honors his name, and the ship that bears his name sails into this young century as a symbol of America’s strength and freedom.”

Other officials participating in the ceremony included Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld; Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter; Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen; Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine; Adm. Michael Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations; Ronald D. Sugar, chairman and chief executive officer of Northrop Grumman Corporation; and Mike Petters, president of Northrop Grumman Newport News.

“Today, we christen a great ship with a great namesake,” Sugar said. “She was built by people with pride and dedication, much like the crews who will man her.”

Petters paid special tribute to the men and women who build aircraft carriers. “They do this work day in and day out in blistering heat, freezing cold and in the rain,” he said. “It is dangerous work. It is difficult and demanding work. And it is noble work.

“Every ship built here has proven a credit to our nation, and to the proud people who build them,” Petters added. “I know that this mighty ship, George H.W. Bush, will follow in that tradition.”

The George H. W. Bush is the nation's tenth and final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. Northrop Grumman Newport News has built 11 of the U.S. Navy’s 12 active carriers, including all 10 ships of the Nimitz class.

At 1,092 feet in length, George H. W. Bush is nearly as long as the Empire State Building is tall. Upon delivery to the Navy in late 2008, it will weigh 97,000 tons and carry more than 80 combat aircraft. Its top speed will exceed 30 knots and powered with two nuclear reactors, it will operate for more than 20 years without refueling. For additional information, visit www.nn.northropgrumman.com/bush.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense company headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Northrop Grumman provides technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding and space technology. With more than 120,000 employees and operations in all 50 states and 25 countries, Northrop Grumman serves U.S. and international military, government and commercial customers.