March 8, 2005: The final keel section of the George H. W. Bush CVN-77 is lowered into place. The bulbous bow section weighs 700 tons and completes the ship's length.

(Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman Newport News)
© 2005 Northrop Grumman Newport News all rights reserved

August 8, 2005: Continuing construction on the George H. W. Bush CVN-77.

(Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman Newport News)
© 2005 Northrop Grumman Newport News all rights reserved

March 9, 2006: Construction of the island for George H. W. Bush CVN-77.

March 15, 2006: Lowering the upper bow section during the construction of George H. W. Bush CVN-77.

July 8, 2006: The island is lowered on to George H. W. Bush CVN-77.

July 8, 2006: From left to right; Admiral John B. Nathman, former President George H. W. Bush and prospective commanding officer of George H. W. Bush CVN-77, Captain Kevin E. O'Flaherty seen during the lowering of the island. This is the last of 162 super lift evolutions scheduled during the construction of the ship.

July 8, 2006: Former President George H. W. Bush and Captain Kevin E. O'Flaherty both place a personal set of Naval Aviator wings under the island of George H. W. Bush CVN-77. The aviator wings were used to symbolize a naval custom, called "stepping the mast," which dates from antiquity and consists of placing coins under the step or bottom of a ship's mast during construction.

July 8, 2006: The island seen in place on George H. W. Bush CVN-77.

September 10, 2006: George H. W. Bush CVN-77 in drydock under construction.

September 15, 2006: Flooding the drydock, floating the George H. W. Bush CVN-77 for the first time.