No Mean Task

Navy Secretary Donald Winter said the ship's commissioning was not easily achieved.This is a ship that will make history,and today is the start of a long and illustrious journey,Mr.Winter remarked.The colors and commissioning pennant were hoisted up the ship's mast,which towers 20 stories above the waterline.Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead described the carrier as a piece of sovereign American territory.It is just the beginning for the sailors who will serve on her today.You bring to life this extraordinary ship,Admiral Roughead told them.Set the bar very high,so that everyone is always reaching for it,the admiral advised.The honoree,President George H.W. Bush,who is 84,had received the Distinguished Flying Cross and three air medals for his own service on a World War II aircraft carrier.I wish I was sitting right out there with you,Mr.Bush told the crew.You take with you the hopes and dreams of all Americans.I know you will find comfort and inspiration at sea,particularly in the night sky.May God bless the men and women who sail in CVN 77,the elder statesman prayed.Mr.Bush then presented the long glass,a ceremonial telescope,to the First Officer of the Deck to stand the first watch.The watch will stay on duty for the life of the ship.Dorothy Bush Koch,Mr.Bush's daughter,to whom he is exceptionally close,is the ship's sponsor,and ordered the crew to man the ship and bring her to life,in accordance with naval tradition.