U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) began its fast cruise July 18 in preparation to leave Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
The beginning of fast cruise marks the end of GHWB’s 13-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) which began June 2015.
During fast cruise the crew will operate as if they are underway, carrying out daily operations and conducting shipboard drills. This allows leaders to assess the crew’s level of preparedness and test shipboard systems in a controlled environment.
“The crew has made huge strides in preparing for sea after more than a year in the shipyard,” said Chief Engineer Cmdr. Cory Groom . “Now we’ll put our hard work to the test before we head out to sea.”
The crew of GHWB completed several major milestones during PIA to include replacing 67,000 feet of cable, performing an overhaul of the vacuum collection holding and transfer system, and the installation of two MK 15 Phalanx close-in weapon systems.
After fast cruise, GHWB will conduct sea trials before returning to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk. The crew will then begin preparing for an upcoming deployment as part of the George H.W. Bush Strike Group.
George H.W. Bush is currently undergoing the final stages of a PIA at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.