NORFOLK, Va. (5 March 2011) - The Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77), hosted Mike Mitrione, the American Legion’s Virginia Department Commander March 5.

While on the ship, Mitrione and 20 members of American Legion Post 88, from Suffolk, Va., visited flight deck control, the flight deck and the ship’s tribute room.

The tour was led by Ensign Matthew Stroup, the ship’s Deputy Public Affairs Officer, and a member of American Legion Post 88.

“This is my first time on a ship, and it’s awesome,” Mitrione said.

“I wish everyone could see this. It would give them more of an appreciation for what the Navy does.”

Since September 2010, GEORGE H.W. BUSH has given nearly 100 tours totaling over 2,000 people.

GEORGE H.W. BUSH has been recently certified to conduct overseas operations in preparation for its first combat deployment scheduled for spring 2011.

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Nicholas Hall – USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs