December 9, 2002: Naming ceremony for George H. W. Bush CVN-77 at Northrop Grumman Newport News.
From left to right are: Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Vern Clark, Secretary of the Navy Gordon England,
Former President George Herbert Walker Bush, Virginia Senator John Warner, Commandant of the United
States Marine Corps General James L. Jones.

 

August 2003: The double bottom hull of George H. W. Bush CVN-77 at dry dock #12, Northrop Grumman
Newport News.

(Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman Newport News)
© 2003 Northrop Grumman Newport News all rights reserved

 

September 6, 2003: Former President George H. W. Bush addresses the audience at the keel authentication
ceremony. "We as a country should be very grateful for the men and women who build these ships,"
"You play a key role in defending our freedom." Former President Bush acted as the keel authenticator.
His daughter, Doro Bush Koch is the ship's sponsor.

(Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman Newport News)
© 2003 Northrop Grumman Newport News all rights reserved

 

September 6, 2003: Former President George H. W. Bush signs the keel plaque after making the authentication
announcement "the keel has been truly and fairly laid" at the keel authentication ceremony at Northrop
Grumman Newport News

(Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman Newport News)
© 2003 Northrop Grumman Newport News all rights reserved

 

September 6, 2003: Former President George H. W. Bush presents the keel plaque after his initials were traced
by welder Mike Eaton. The plaque will be attached to the keel permanently.

(Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman Newport News)
© 2003 Northrop Grumman Newport News all rights reserved