# CNAL Visits GHWB

/ Published May 31, 2017
ARABIAN SEA (NNS) -- Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) (GHWB) welcomed aboard Rear Adm. Bruce Lindsey, commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic (CNAL), and Force Master Chief Bill Smalts, May 21.                ARABIAN GULF (May 21, 2017) Rear Adm. Bruce Lindsey, commander of Naval Air Force Atlantic, meets with Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The ship is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Gaines/Released)                            GHWB is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, which is comprised of the staff of CSG-2; GHWB; the nine squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8; Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 staff and guided-missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Truxton (DDG 103); and Mayport-based guided-missile cruisers USS Philipine Sea (CG 58) and USS Hue City (CG 66).                            ARABIAN GULF (May 21, 2017) Rear Adm. Bruce Lindsey, commander of Naval Air Force Atlantic, meets with Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The ship is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Gaines/Released)            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Gaines/Released)VIRIN: 170521-N-YL257-024The visit focused on the wellness and progress of the ship and embarked staffs and squadrons from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 and Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 22."This is an impressive team with an impressive crew, air wing, destroyer squadron, the whole nine yards," said Lindsey. "You guys have been doing the business very, very effectively and will continue to do so."Lindsey and Smalts took a few moments out of their day to tour various workshops throughout the ship and interact with the crew. During one of the walkthroughs, Lindsey presented the Engineer of the Quarter Award toMachinist's Mate Fireman April Jackson."My chief and senior chief selected me for Engineer of the Quarter, but I had no idea that the admiral would be here today to congratulate me," said Jackson. "He is very personable and I thought it was really cool that he took the time to give me the award."Later in the day Lindsey addressed all hands over the 1MC. He thanked the crew of GHWB for their decision to join the Navy and assured them that they have support."You all are very special, and I thank you very much for what you are doing today, what you've done yesterday and what you will do tomorrow," said Lindsey. "My job is to support you. You are the supported Sailors in this endeavor. Everyone back home is working for you."During their visit, Lindsey and Smalts met with Bush's senior leadership, department heads and chiefs to discuss current operations and material readiness before departing the ship, May 22, and he emphasized the importance of the Navy in protecting international waters."Why do we need a Navy?" said Lindsey. "The answer is simple: to keep Americans secure and prosperous. Seventy percent of the world is water and 90 percent of the world's trade is conducted on water."For more information, visithttp://www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, orwww.twitter.com/usnavy.For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visitwww.navy.mil/local/cvn77/.