Aircraft from the USS George H.W. Bush have facilitated airstrikes on the Islamic State militants in Iraq since Aug. 8. Their goal is to protect American citizens and personnel in Iraq, and help the Yezidi religious minority hiding with little food and water in the Sinjar Mountains. The ship’s Facebook page released an update and personal thanks for support:
As you have seen on the news, Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW 8) strike fighters have struck ISIL targets near Erbil to help defend the city where U.S. personnel are assisting the Iraqi government. We have also conducted strikes to defend Yazidi civilians being indiscriminately attacked by ISIL near Sinjar, Iraq.
The professional and dedicated team that makes up Carrier Strike Group 2 (CSG 2) includes USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), CVW 8, CSG 2 staff, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON 22) staff, USS Philippine Sea, USS Truxtun, USS Roosevelt, USS Arleigh Burke and USS O’Kane and we stand ready to support humanitarian assistance operations that are helping those in need. Your Sailors continue to perform in an exemplary manner and we remain ready to perform any mission when called.
This team is making a difference.
We have worked many months prior to deploying and since departing home to maintain the high level of readiness that allows us to carry out our current tasking. The thorough training we received has fully prepared the team to flex to support the mission assigned as we have demonstrated all deployment.
Thank you for all your support from back home, since it is your dedication to us that keeps us focused and determined to carry out our duty.
We are where it matters, when it matters once again.
For an inside look at the operations and life on the USS George H.W. Bush, check out the photos below.
The guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) pulls alongside the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush as an MH-60S Sea Hawk takes off from the flight deck on Aug. 13. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Card)
Rainbow side boys render honors to Vice Adm. John W. Miller, commander U.S. Navy Central Command. (Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Margaret Keith/U.S. Navy)
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Lawrence Baiden, from Ghana, signals that an E-2C Hawkeye, attached to the “Bear Aces” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 124, is ready to launch. (Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Card/U.S. Navy)
An MH-60S Sea Hawk, attached to the Tridents of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9, carrying Vice Adm. William Moran, chief of naval personnel, Capt. Michael Bernacchi and Fleet Master Chief April Beldo, takes off from the flight deck of the USS George H.W. Bush and transits to the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt. (Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Card/U.S. Navy)
Sailors run on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier. (Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Margaret Keith/U.S. Navy)
An F/A-18C hornet takes off for Iraq from the flight deck of the USS George H.W. Bush on Aug. 14 in the Persian Gulf. (Photo: Mohammed Al-Shaik/Newscom)
Sailors work on the flight deck on Aug. 14. (Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Margaret Keith/U.S. Navy/Newscom)
Lt. Alyse Dason from Knightdale, N.C., practices yoga breathing for peace. (Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Margaret Keith/U.S. Navy)
Sailors detach a pallet from a pulley during a replenishment-at-sea. (Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Margaret Keith/U.S. Navy)
Capt. Andrew Loiselle, left, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, speaks with Brig. Gen. Donald Fryc of the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command in the commanding officer’s in-port cabin. (Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Card/U.S. Navy)
A U.S. Navy F/A-18 prepares to take off from the flight deck on Aug. 14. (Photo: Mazen Mahdi/Newscom)
Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Hannah Boac directs an F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the “Fighting Black Lions” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Margaret Keith)
Sailors raise the national ensign as the USS George H.W. Bush pulls into Jebel Ali, Dubai, for a scheduled port visit on Aug. 2. (Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Margaret Keith/U.S. Navy)
A sailor loads a .50-caliber machine gun. (Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Stephens/U.S. Navy)
In the Arabian Gulf on Aug. 14, Gunner’s Mate Seaman Coren Demastus from Fort Smith, Ark., carries rifles after training aboard the aircraft carrier. (Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Stephens/U.S. Navy)
A MH-60S Sea Hawk, attached to the Tridents of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9, prepares to deliver cargo during a vertical replenishment on the flight deck. (Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Card/U.S. Navy)
Vice Adm. William Moran, chief of naval personnel, left, and Fleet Master Chief April Beldo, host a live question-and-answer broadcast aboard the ship. (Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Korrin D. Kim/U.S. Navy)
Chief petty officers and chief selectees run in group formation on the flight deck. (Photo: Chief Mass Communication Specialist Christina M. Shaw/U.S. Navy)