Presidential welcome for the George H.W. Bush

[unhappycamper]

Former President George H. W. Bush speaks during the commissioning ceremony for the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush.


Presidential welcome for the George H.W. Bush
By Andrew Scutro - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Jan 11, 2009 16:27:24 EST

NORFOLK, Va. — On Friday in the late afternoon winter light, former President George H.W. Bush walked from his guest quarters on Admiral’s Row to the waterfront on Naval Station Norfolk. He said he wanted one last look at the brand new aircraft carrier bearing his name.

At age 84, he was bundled into a thick overcoat. He wore running shoes but ambled along with a cane. Capt. Kevin O’Flaherty, commander of the ship’s pre-commissioning unit, hustled down the pier to greet a fellow naval aviator.

“Very excited. Very emotional,” Bush said standing on the pier with the giant hull rising behind him. “Very proud of the kids on this ship.”

The next day he was sitting on aircraft elevator 2, with his son, President George W. Bush; Vice President Dick Cheney; Defense Secretary Robert Gates; Navy Secretary Donald Winter; and Navy brass, spouses and family for the ship’s commissioning ceremony. In the coming weeks, the modern warship will undergo sea trials, more shipyard time, and finally preparations for its maiden voyage, a deployment planned for fall 2010.

The Bush is the 10th and last Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.


Rest of article about this $6.2 billion wonder (not counting aircraft) at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2009/01/navy_bushcommissioning_011009/%2e

[dynasaw]

1. I Want All the Bushes to Go Away

"The Bushes are a dynasty, but I am not sure of what kind. History will tell. They are an uncompromising, hard-headed, entitled and arrogant bunch. Let's say good-bye to George W. Let's wish his wife and family well. Let's not wish him any ill. He's gone. But let us have no more Bushes in the White House. Ever."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alec-baldwin/the-bush-nightmare-is-ove_b_156950.html

But most of all let's not hear anymore from any of them--ever.

[Angleae]

2. Commissioned but not completed.

Won't be complete until about march, hasn't put to sea once, hasn't completed builder's trials or acceptance trials yet.