US aircraft carrier George W. Bush docked off the port of Piraeus in Greece on Friday and will remain there at least until Monday.
The Central Port Authority of Piraeus issued a decision prohibiting maritime traffic around the aircraft carrier until Tuesday at 14:00.
The aircraft carrier 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.
The port visit enhances the NATO Alliance and allows the Sailors of George H.W. Bush CSG a chance to experience Greek culture.
“Our mission on deployment has been to work closely with our partners and NATO Allies in order to deter, and if necessary, defend the Alliance,” said Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander, CSG-10, George H.W. Bush CSG.
“Port visits like this one provide an opportunity for us to engage with our Allies and develop meaningful relationships that make a substantive difference across our force.”
Opa! #USSGeorgeHWBush has arrived in #Piraeus, Greece 🇬🇷#TeamAvenger is ready to explore the country’s beauty & further strengthen the enduring relationship our countries share.#PartnershipsMatter #WeAreNATO #FreedomAtWork #CAVUhttps://t.co/bZIoJwod9e pic.twitter.com/Zj9B2FUCqv
— USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) (@GHWBCVN77) February 3, 2023
During their time in port, leaders from George H.W. Bush will meet with Greek leadership during a key leader engagement to reinforce relationships and strengthen the NATO Alliance. Additionally, Sailors from the ship will take much deserved time off to experience the cities of Piraeus and Athens.
“Team Avenger looks forward to our port visit in Athens, Greece,” said Capt. Dave Pollard, commanding officer of George H.W. Bush. “Our Sailors will enjoy time off and the rich history of Greece, while volunteering and acting as ambassadors for the United States.”
George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier is one of the world’s largest warships
The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) is the tenth and final Nimitz-class supercarrier of the United States Navy. She is named after the 41st President of the United States George H. W. Bush, who was a naval aviator during World War II.
Construction began in 2003 at the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard’s Dry Dock 12, the largest in the western hemisphere. She was completed in 2009 at a cost of $6.2 billion and her home port is Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.
The supercarrier USS George H.W. Bush measures 1,092 feet (333 m) and displaces over 100,000 tons, making her one of the world’s largest warships (though she is slightly shorter than the USS Enterprise).
Her top speed exceeds 30 knots; powered with two nuclear reactors, she can operate for more than 20 years without refueling.
Her crew numbers 3,500 members and an additional 2,500 persons for the support of the aircraft she carries, as she can host up to 85 fighter jets, airborne radar aircraft, electronic warfare aircraft, and helicopters.
In October 2022 she docked at NATO pier K14 in the Gulf of Souda near Chania, Crete.
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