At the start of the year, images of an F-35 Lightning II colliding with the deck of the USS Carl Vinson, causing it to stall, and subsequently sinking into the icy waters of the South China Sea astounded both the military and the general public. Although abhorrent in appearance, fortunately, it was a rare occurrence of the type in question.Consider the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 that resides aboard it as an example. Collectively, they successfully executed 160,000 catapult launches and an equivalent number of recoveries, amounting to a minimum of 80,000 catapult launches and an equal number of recoveries, each of which was executed flawlessly.

Although the achievement occurred in mid-June, it was not disclosed until now. At that time, the 80,000th aircraft to land on Bush’s deck was an E/A-18G Growler assigned to the Electronic аttаck Squadron (VAQ) 140. Similarly, the 80,000th aircraft to depart from Bush’s deck was an E-2D Hawkeye operating with the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121.

“Eighty-thоusand successful launches and recoveries demonstrate unwavering adherence to procedures, meticulous attention to detail, and the immense magnitude of labor and effort required to consistently operate the catapults and arresting equipment,” air boss aboard George H.W. Bush said in a statement.

Launched in 2006, the USS George H.W. Bush was the final Nimitz-class carrier to fulfill the requirements of the United States military. Ten in total, including the previously mentioned Carl Vinson, were of this class.

Its dimensions are identical to those of all other vessels of its category: length 1,092 feet (333 meters), displacement 114,000 tons, and propulsion by two nucleаr reactors.

At present, the aircraft carrier accommodates the CVW 7, which is composed of the following units: one electronic аttаck squadron (EA-18G Growlers), four strike squadrons (F/A-18F Suρer Hornets), one early warning squadron (E-2D Hawkeye), and one helicopter strike squadron (MH-60 Seahawks).

“Before a future deployment, the Bush carrier strike group (CSG) is completing a certification exercise to enhance U.S. and allied warfighting capability and interoperability.”