USS George H.W. Bush ready to deploy ‘if called upon’, US Navy says

March 9, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is fully prepared to deploy after the sailors, ships, squadrons, and staffs of the carrier strike group completed Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) on March 5, 2026.

As disclosed, the exercise brought together all elements of a carrier strike group to operate as a cohesive, multi-domain fighting force under realistic conditions through simulated scenarios, live, virtual, and constructive training, and the full integration of squadrons and surface platforms, resulting in CSG 4 deployment certification recommendations for US Fleet Forces Command.

Over several weeks, units were tested in air, surface, subsurface and cyber warfare areas across all domains in increasingly complex scenarios designed to stress command and control, logistical endurance and combat integration.

“COMPTUEX is the certification event for the strike group to let us know we are ready for major combat operations around the world,” said Rear Adm. Alexis Walker, commander, Carrier Strike Group 10.

“It brings the entire strike group team together and enables us to operate as we would when we’re forward deployed.”

According to the navy, the GHWBCSG repeatedly demonstrated the accurate and rapid launch and recovery of its air assets.

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, composed of nine squadrons and approximately 2,400 sailors and naval aviators, played a central role in the exercise.

Specifically, over the course of 28 days, Carrier Air Wing 7 flew 1,586 sorties, tallying up a 693 arrested landings during the day and 682 at night. The culmination of such speed and endurance is an offensive capability unique to the United States that enables a level of warfighting strength.

“Carrier Wing 7, the ‘Freedom Fighters’, remain credible, relevant and lethal,” said Capt. Martin Fentress Jr., commander, CVW-7.

“Through each training evolution, we demonstrated the ability to overcome challenges and sustain combat power.”

Fentress noted the difficulty of integrating personnel and aircraft from across multiple locations. He also expressed confidence the Airwing is ready to get underway should the need arise.

“Carrier Airwing 7 stands ready today to deploy if called upon,” said Fentress.

“We have demonstrated through each of the training evolutions that not only are we trained mentally to overcome any issue, but that we also have the stamina physically and that our machines are ready.”

More broadly, Rear Adm. Walker expressed confidence in the strike group’s readiness.

“I believe the members of the George H.W. Bush are ready to deploy today,” Walker said.

“I’ve been very pleased with the way we’ve come together.”

For Capt. Robert Bibeau, commanding officer of the USS George H. W. Bush, the completion of COMPTUEX demonstrates a crew prepared to respond to national requirements. He noted that the ship and its sailors have trained to the highest standards, showing the flexibility and adaptability needed for mission success.

Bibeau, a career F/A‑18 pilot, highlighted the importance of readiness amid ongoing operations, saying that while fellow service members are “operating in harm’s way right now,” the George H.W. Bush strike group is prepared to provide air, strike, electronic warfare, or presence as needed.

The remarks come as US forces, including the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, remain deployed in the region amid heightened tensions with Iran.