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

(USN Photo)

 

August 2003 The double bottom hull at dry dock #12, Northrop Grumman Newport News

(Photo courtesy Northrop Grumman)

 

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 Northrop Grumman)

 

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 Northrop Grumman)

 

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 Northrop Grumman)