USS George H.W. Bush departs for 2nd Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shaun Griffin

NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Carrier Strike Group (GHWB CSG) departed for its 2nd deployment Feb. 15.

The strike group, led by the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), and its nearly 6,000 Sailors; is scheduled to conduct operations in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

The deployment is part of an ongoing rotation of U.S. forces supporting maritime security operations in international waters around the globe.

Working with allied and partner maritime forces, GHWB CSG units will focus heavily on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts which help establish conditions for regional stability.

"This team has worked hard in preparation for this deployment and is ready to go," said Rear Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of GHWB CSG. "The dedication and commitment shown by our Sailors will serve the country well in support of our global national interests."

The five ships and eight aircraft squadrons of GHWB CSG consist of approximately 6,000 Sailors who have spent the last year conducting intensive training and certification exercises to establish a safe, cohesive organization capable of performing a wide variety of missions across the globe, ranging from counter-piracy and ground support operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The George H.W. Bush Strike Group consists of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 staff and George H.W. Bush.

This is the 2nd deployment for the Navy's last Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which recently became combat ready after the successful completion of Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Force Exercise (JTFEX).

"I am very pleased that all essential training has been completed," said Commanding Officer Capt. Andrew Loiselle. "During this long workup period, excellence has been the standard set by the crew, and I am confident that we are the best prepared carrier to go on deployment."

George H.W. Bush was commissioned Jan. 10, 2009 as the 10th and last Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier. Named after the 41st U.S. President, USS George H.W. Bush is the only aircraft carrier in the fleet with a living namesake.