WASHINGTON -- Former President George H.W. Bush told a Pentagon audience today that he's not a hero, despite flying off a carrier and having his plane shot down in the Pacific during World War II.
The current president's father joked that he's only called a hero because his plane got shot down. "There are plenty of them in this building who have earned (the moniker) for true heroism," he said. Former President George H.W. Bush examines a model of CVN 77, the U.S. Navy’s 10th Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. The carrier was officially named George H.W. Bush by Navy Secretary Gordon England at a Pentagon ceremony Dec. 9. Joining the former president are, from left to right, Adm. Vern Clark, Chief of Naval Operations; Secretary England; Mr. Bush; Senator John Warner; and Gen. James L. Jones, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Johnny Bivera. (Click photo for screen-resolution image; high-resolution image available.)

The Navy bestowed one of the nation's highest honors on Bush here today by naming the service's 10th Nimitz class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier after the former naval aviator.

"The USS George H.W. Bush will serve as a worldwide deployable symbol of our nation's resolve," Navy Secretary Gordon England said during a naval ship-naming ceremony in the Pentagon.
England called Bush "a great, great American (and) a great patriot." Bush enlisted in the Navy at age 18 in 1942 and became the youngest pilot in the Navy before his 19th birthday. He flew a bomber off the carrier USS San Jacinto and was shot down in the Pacific in 1944. The future president went on to earn the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals for his service.
Later, as president, with "the modesty and grace that are his hallmarks, he presided over the end of the Cold War," England said.
Bush said he was "deeply honored" by the ship's designation. "I'm overwhelmed by this, and very, very grateful," he said.

In characteristic good humor, Bush urged representatives of Northrop Grumman's Newport News shipbuilding yard to finish the carrier quickly, before his grave is dug at Texas A&M University.
Bush took the focus off himself when he lauded today's service members. "I don't think of my generation as the greatest generation, … because I've been around some of the kids that are serving now," he said. "There isn't a 'greatest' generation."

At 1,092 feet in length and a displacement of 97,000 tons fully loaded, Nimitz-class carriers are the largest warships in the world. They have 4.5 acres of flight deck and carry 75 aircraft. More than 5,000 crewmembers, including the air wing, serve aboard them. The USS George H.W. Bush is scheduled to join the fleet in 2009.

Now thats a Great Honor!! Wonder what there going to get Billy Boy??? maybe a Ski-Do or a Dicky or is it Dingy???


Hog

they got any renditions of it?

Something closer up than this pic.

http://www.nns.com/Reagan/index.htm 

Hmmmm...I thought there were Bush carriers in every city. X

thats a shame!!

An aircraft carrier named after somebody who served 4 undistinguished years as prez... Oh wait, I forgot, his kid is president now.
The economy is in about the same mess and we're still threatening to go after Iraq.
Maybe DOD should name a fleet of canoes after the family instead...

Then what do you suggest should be named after Clinton? Maybe those new stain-resistant pants?

cliffie3d

what has clinton got to do with post?

A great honor for one well deserving, and despite his humility, I believe his getting shot down during war time and going onto become a President, classifies him as a hero (much the same way as President Kennedy). BRAVO!!

to bad we were attacked by terroirst when the economy was going down. and of course why would investors want to put money in the economy when we are being attacked? so sure go ahead try and blame it on bush. the fact is that we are at war and buy building an additional nimitz will protect us not harm us.

Obviously some of you agree & disagree with the naming of this ship. This President did his best without disgrace or embarassment to himself or the country. What more can you ask of a President. We will all never agree with political issues,but that doesnt make someone bad or non deserving of recognition. Just my opinion. Mag

CJ whats your claim to fame, did you serve, risk your life, etc., Don't you know by now, the president realllllllllllly doesn't control our economy. It doesn't take a PHD to know, that when stocks are trading at 200 times earnings, that ultimately it's going to catch up to you. You may not have voted for Bush, but, don't insult the office.

CulleyJC52

why does cj have to have credentials to vioce an opinion? none of your business what he may or may not have done to have a claim to fame.

bs that the president does not have an impact on the market. a sound, trustworthy president, that has the ability to motivate, even if he can't spell it, can do wonders to promote growth. it's called a bully pulpit but the bully in the oval office doesn't give a **** about the american people or anyone outside of his circle of moneyed people.

no one has insulted the office except the fool that sits there.

personally i don't believe the rumors that he, sr, jumped from the plane and everyone died as a result. the talk was he should have tried to belly land on the water, but as i say, i think that is a bunch of crap. i doubt that a pilot flying a combat mission would abandon his aircraft and let his crew die.

i personally liked the idea of nixon having a plate left on the moon with his name on it and no mention of kennedy who proposed the flight to start with. typical politician.

speaking of which, what did strom thurmond ever due for this country. what bill was passed with his name on it. he had a nice 50 job for 50 years.

rick, you're one big walking talking bitter old man!

Every single one of your points could be rationalized by a child. You're WRONG. You always will be, and the liberal blinders that you wear will make sure you never are right.

Stick to UFO's, the Easter Bunny and the horrible reviews of a miserly dumpster diving "cigar" lover. Those are the things that you're good at. Every time you stand on your "political" soap-box you seem to lose another 10 IQ points. Lord knows, you can't afford too many more "political" posts!

God bless America, and God bless GW!

It should be named the USS IRANCONTRA-BUSH

You're WRONG

calling me names serves no purpose. where in my post am i wrong. be specific. oh and if your ball lands in my backyard one more time, you are not getting it back.

I'm not "name-calling"! I'm stating FACT!

RICKAMAVEN from here on out I'll just call you Willy Jefferson Clinton or WJC for short hows that??? after the post about your military background and the BS you posted... there isn't much difference in the two

Hog