USS George H.W. Bush in Marseille
USS George H. W. Bush: Freedom at Work in Marseille
The USS George Herbert Walker Bush (CVN 77) arrived in Marseille on November 25, for its liberty port of the ship's first combat deployment. Long of 333 m for a displacement of 97,000 tons full load, the CVN 77, manned by 5600 sailors, can carry over 70 planes and helicopters. The new US Navy aircraft carrier is propelled by 4 shafts powered by 2 nuclear reactors. The USS George H.W. Bush - "Freedom at Work" - enables the Navy to execute six core capabilities of Marine Strategy: forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security and humanitarian assistance or disaster response. The last-born of the 10 Nimitz-class aircraft carriers the Navy has is the only ship bearing the name of a living US president. The visit to Marseille marks the aircraft carrier seventh and last stop before being homeward bound after months of deployment for operations in support of Operation New Dawn in Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan performed by the embarked squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 8. She also completed efforts to build global maritime partnerships with European nations and improve maritime safety and security within the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. During the port call, officers and crew from the ship met with local officials and enjoy a well-deserved rest discovering some culture of France, visiting Marseille, Cannes or Monaco and even go to Paris, three hours away thanks to the TGV.
On November 26, in a very American spirit of welcome, full of courtesy and confraternity, the USS George H. W. Bush crew welcomed the press for a visit. Commander Linda K. Sweeney did the honors of her immense ship to Marseille guests, leading visitors to take pictures of the F18 Growler, Hawkeye, Seahawk and helicopters on the flying deck and then discover the commanding posts of the ship.
In the evening, the USS George H.W. Bush hosted an official reception on board, that brought together in the carrier belly officials from the City of Marseille, Navy League members from Cannes, members on the Ana, a Franco American friendship association, French officers, US officers and crew to enjoy various delicious dishes and splendid cakes realized by creative and talented on-board chefs. During the welcoming addresses, Captain Brian E. Luther, Commanding Officer and Rear Admiral Nora W. Tyson, Commander of Carrier Strike Group Two, have reminded the unbreakable friendship between the United States and France, and declared their joy and the crew's to be in Marseille and in France. Maître José Allegrini, representing the mayor of Marseille, Mr Gaudin confirmed the ever-lasting friendship between the two countries, reminding that France is, since the American revolution, the US first ally in history. He also said the pleasure and pride of people from Marseille to welcome such a sea giant like the USS George H. W. Bush. A splendid cake was then cut with a sword, the same sword was used afterwards by Admiral Nora Tyson to open a champagne bottle. Rear Admiral Nora W. Tyson, a pilot-navigator, native of Memphis, Tenn., is first woman in history to command a battle group formed around an aircraft carrier.
