USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) - Ship's Seal

Ship's Seal

Each element of the seal is significant for its relevance to the ship’s namesake, naval aviation, naval service, and the nation. There are six prominent features of the seal, beginning with the 41 white stars, symbolizing the ship’s namesake (the 41st President). The rays of light that appear on the seal’s horizon represent Bush’s concept of a "thousand points of light", wherein he urged Americans to find meaning and reward by serving a purpose higher than themselves. The graphic depiction of the aircraft carrier reflects the carrier as both a symbol and instrument of American strength as “a force for good.” Above the carrier are overhead profiles of a TBM Avenger torpedo bomber (representing Bush’s days as a Navy pilot), an F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter, and an F-35C Lightning II.

Fouled anchors and shields, centered on naval aviators wings, honor the ship’s namesake’s aviation history. Finally, the motto “Freedom at Work” is adapted from Bush’s inaugural speech, during which he said, “We know what works: Freedom works. We know what’s right: Freedom is right.”