The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) – along with the embarked staff of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, George H.W. Bush CSG — arrived in Naples, Italy, for a scheduled port visit, Nov. 28, 2022.
The port visit provides an opportunity to enhance U.S.-Italy partnership as the two nations work together for a stable, secure, and prosperous Europe. It also allows the Sailors of George H.W. Bush CSG a chance to experience Italian culture.
“The visit to the Port of Naples of the Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush – along with the embarked staff Carrier Strike Group 10, George H.W. Bush CSG – is an excellent opportunity for U.S.-Italy relations with a central role for the city of Naples,” said Gaetano Manfredi, Mayor of Naples. “The experience the sailors will get during their stay, comes at a time when Naples has a lot to offer to first-time visitors, and will certainly be of great interest and attraction for the large crew of the CSG George H.W. Bush. We take this opportunity to further strengthen relations between our two countries and work together to advance our shared values of peace and security.”
The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group completed its pre-deployment training with the Italian ship Caio Duilio, operated with Carabiniere and the Cavour Carrier Strike Group recently during trilateral multicarrier operations, and steamed with Carabiniere and Doria through the Straits of Messina.
“Our Strike Group has been operating with our partners and allies during our deployment to maintain safety and security throughout the European theater of operations,” said Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander of CSG-10, George H.W. Bush CSG. “From our first days of training as a strike group through today, we’ve strengthened our partnership and capability with our allies in the Italian Navy through training and operations. I look forward to working alongside the Italians during the rest of our deployment as we seek to strengthen our maritime partnership. I am grateful for the opportunity to visit Naples this week, and I know my Sailors are looking forward to meeting Neapolitans and learning first-hand about the rich history and culture of Italy.”
George H.W. Bush is anchored off the coast, and will host local officials and key leaders for a reception to honor the U.S.-Italy relationship. Additionally, Sailors from the ship will take much deserved time off to experience the city of Naples and Campania region.
“I am excited to be back in Italy to share it with the nearly 5,000 Sailors aboard the ship, including many who have never been here,” said Capt. Dave Pollard, commanding officer of George H.W. Bush. “Not only is the Italian Navy a great partner, but the Italian people have been incredible partners and friends. I was here last as the commanding officer of USS Mount Whitney. I know the crew will represent their families, cities, states, and nation with professionalism and dignity as we enjoy the opportunity to explore and experience all Italy has to offer.”
The ship’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) team arranged a variety of tours for Sailors to experience the area.
Sailors will also have the opportunity to participate in a Thousand Points of Light community relations events organized by local officials in the area. The ship’s Thousand Points of Light events are a nod to President George H.W. Bush’s inaugural address and the service-oriented organization that exists still today.
CSG-10, George H.W. Bush CSG, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.
George H.W. Bush is the flagship of CSG-10, George H.W. Bush CSG. George H.W. Bush CSG is comprised of George H.W. Bush, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Information Warfare Commander, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).
The ships of DESRON-26 within CSG-10 are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119).
The squadrons of CVW-7 embarked aboard George H.W. Bush are the “Jolly Rogers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, the “Pukin Dogs” of VFA-143, the “Bluetails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86, the “Nighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, and the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.