USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH, V.A. -- Over 30 Airmen and civilians from the 87th Air Base Wing were invited to observe flight operations and capabilities aboard the USS George H. W. Bush during a visit to Norfolk, V.A. shipyard, July 13, 2018.
U.S. Navy Capt. M. Muzzafar Khan, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst deputy commander and Naval Support Activity-Lakehurst commander, coordinated the visit in order to educate airman and civilian members of JB MDL on the Navy's mission and war fighting capabilities.
“The purpose for this tour is for professional development of our members in a joint environment,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Timothy Motley, 87th Mission Support Group deputy commander. “As a joint base, this tour gives our airmen an opportunity to leave the installation and visit a Navy aircraft carrier to see our partners within the joint mission operate, giving our Airmen a better understanding of their sister service.”
The USS Bush is the 10th Nimitz Class carrier in the Navy fleet, measuring 1,092 feet from bow to stern. It received its nickname, "avenger" from the model aircraft George H. W. Bush flew in WWII. Participants were able to walk inside and witness the living conditions in the carrier first hand.
“I was curious about how life on a ship was, and from this tour we got a taste of how the Navy works in an aircraft carrier on a daily basis,” said Senior Airman Darian Martin, 87th Medical Group pharmacy logistics custodian. “I really enjoyed seeing the flight deck and learning how the fighter jets are catapulted from the ship.”
The mess decks, ceremonial quarter deck, flight deck, hangar bay, and the bridge were showcased during the tour. The carrier also held a museum consisting of memorabilia and educational videos in honor of George H. W. Bush.
“This was my first time on an aircraft carrier, the ship was massive and I found it interesting on how precise and timely jet fighter pilots had to be to land on the carrier,” said Siouzann Lende, 87th Contracting Squadron team lead. “It’s important to know that at the end of the day it’s one team, and it really is about the camaraderie between the service members regardless of what branch of service they’re in.”
Leaders hope to continue to have these tours in order to educate Airmen about other services. Tours such as these are created to not only understand, but motivate the Airmen to support their sister service.
“Ultimately, we have the same mission, just different pieces of the pie,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. John Burdick, 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron assistant Instillation Deployment Officer. “It’s good to start strengthening our ties with the other military branches so there is more common ground and knowing what we all bring to the fight.”