Hampton Roads
Military Moments
Entercom Communications is celebrating the commissioning of the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush. Listen for interesting historical facts to be broadcast on the air from now until the ship goes into service in January 2009. We are proud of our military and we salute the Navy on this historic occasion happening right here in Hampton Roads!
On this page you will find updated commissioning activities as well as special links for more information about how you can help outfit the ship through the Navy League. You may also click on the audio files to hear the latest Military Moment historical story.
Thursday Evening | January 8, 2009
Welcome to Virginia
As a kick off for the commissioning festivities this reception offers an opportunity to meet and greet selected attendees from around the world who have come to support President George H. W. Bush. Invitation only.
Friday Afternoon | January 9, 2009
Ship’s Sponsor Luncheon
Provides an opportunity to honor the Ship’s Sponsor, Doro Bush Koch. As the tradition stands, her spirit and presence will guide the ship throughout its service. Special gifts are presented to the sponsor and to the ship represented by the Perspective Commanding Officer. Invitation only.
Friday Evening | January 9, 2008
USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) Gala
This event is a tradition that offers guests from the military, business, and political communities along with family and friends to toast the impending commissioning. The Perspective Commanding Officer and selected guests have an opportunity to thank all those involved. Special guests invited will include, President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations and the Ship’s Sponsor. Invitation only.
Saturday | January 10, 2009
Pre-Commissioning Breakfast
This gathering enables platform guests and other VIPs to be briefed on what to expect during the commissioning ceremony and post-commissioning events. Upon completion they are transported to the pier for seating. Invitation only.
Commissioning Ceremony
Official United States Navy event. Tickets required/Limited seating available.
Post-Commissioning Reception
Following the official commissioning ceremony, guests are routed to the commissioning tent where refreshments, photos and overall goodwill prevail. An event like this culminates Navy tradition and the official transfer of a warship from the ship builder to the United States Navy. Guests that attended will be officially part of history. Tickets required/Limited seating available.
Crew’s Reception
This event is simply a “party” once the commissioning is over and it is time to celebrate all the crew’s efforts in bringing their ship to life. What was a Pre-Commissioning Unit is now an official part of the United States Navy Fleet. Invitation only.
Duty Crew’s Reception
For those who must man the ship during the Crew’s reception, this special evening is designated for these crew members and guests to similarly celebrate the commissioning. Invitation only.
--------information courtesy of www.cvn77.com
Commissioning of the USS George H. W. Bush
About the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)
Name:
USS George H. W. Bush
Namesake: George H. W. Bush
Ordered: 26 January 2001
Laid down: 6 September 2003
Christened: 7 October 2006
Launched: 9 October 2006
Commissioned: Expected January 2009
Motto: Freedom at Work
Status: Sea trials
General characteristics
Class and type:
Displacement:
Approximately 97,000 short tons (88,000 MT) full load
Length:
Overall: 1,092 feet (332.8 m)
Waterline: 1,040 feet (317.0 m)
Beam:
Overall: 252 ft (76.8 m)
Waterline: 134 ft (40.8 m)
Draft:
Maximum navigational: 37 ft (11.3 m)
Limit: 41 ft (12.5 m)
Propulsion:
2 × Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors
4 × steam turbines
4 × shafts
260,000 shp (194 MW)
Speed:
30+ knots (56+ km/h)
Range:
Essentially unlimited
Complement:
Ship's company: 3,200
Air wing: 2,480
Information on President George H.W. Bush
41st President of the United States
In office
January 20, 1989 – January 20, 1993
43rd Vice President of the United States
In office
January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989
George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st president of the United States, began a distinguished military career in 1942. On his 18th birthday, June 12, 1942, President Bush both graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman 2nd Class. A year later, while still 18, he became the youngest pilot when he received his wings and commission
President Bush, who was born in Milton, Massachusetts, flew torpedo bombers off the USS San Jacinto on active duty from August 1942 to September 1945 during World War II. On September 2, 1944, during a mission over the Pacific, Japanese anti-aircraft fire hit his plane. The Navy submarine, USS Finback, rescued him. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals for courageous service in the Pacific Theater. On January 6, 1945, President Bush married Barbara Pierce of Rye, New York. Today, they are the parents of five children: George, John (Jeb), Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy Bush Koch. The Bushes, who are residents of Houston, Texas, have 17 grandchildren.
Following World War II, President Bush entered Yale University, where he pursued a degree in economics and served as captain of the varsity baseball team. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1948. It was after his graduation when the Bushes moved to Texas and he embarked on a career in the oil industry.
President Bush has held numerous important leadership positions over the years. He served two terms as Representative to Congress from Texas, and served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, chairman of the Republican National Committee, chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China, and director of the Central Intelligence Agency. In 1980, Ronald Reagan selected George H. W. Bush to be his running mate. President Bush was sworn in for the first of two terms as vice president of the United States on January 29, 1981.
He served as United States president from 1989 to 1993, facing a changing world with the passing of the Cold War. His greatest challenge came when Iraqi President Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, then threatened to move into Saudi Arabia. Vowing to free Kuwait, President Bush marshaled a 30-nation coalition and successfully opposed Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.