When National Defense Knows No Budget: The Most Expensive Military Vehicles in History
6. The aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush
Joined the Service: 2009
Produced by: Northrop Grumman
Price: $6.2 billion
The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) is the eleventh and final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in service with the United States Navy. While many recognize George H.W. Bush as a former president, fewer may know of his distinguished service as a lieutenant in the Navy during World War II. He famously piloted a TBM Avenger torpedo bomber, which earned him the callsign "Bush."
Commissioned in 2009, the USS George H.W. Bush represents the pinnacle of naval aviation technology, featuring advanced systems for launching and recovering aircraft, as well as robust defensive capabilities. With a price tag of approximately $6.2 billion, this supercarrier is designed to project power and support a wide range of military operations around the globe.
In conclusion, the USS George H.W. Bush not only honors the legacy of its namesake but also serves as a vital asset to the U.S. Navy. Its advanced features and operational capabilities ensure it remains a formidable presence in maritime defense, continuing the proud tradition of Nimitz-class carriers.
The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) was constructed in Dry Dock 12, the largest dry dock in the Western Hemisphere, where Northrop Grumman began building the carrier in 2003. The ship was completed in 2009 at a cost of approximately $6.2 billion and is currently berthed at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.
Upon her maiden voyage, the USS George H.W. Bush was assigned to Carrier Strike Group Two and set sail for the United Kingdom to participate in exercises known as "Thursday Wars." Throughout her service, the carrier has been involved in numerous missions and naval training exercises, demonstrating her capabilities as a frontline asset.
As of now, the USS George H.W. Bush is not in active service, marking a pause in her storied operational history.
In conclusion, the USS George H.W. Bush has played a significant role in modern naval operations since her commissioning. Her contributions to various missions and exercises underscore her importance to the U.S. Navy, even as she currently rests at port.
