Painting unveiled of future carrier, USS Bush

After unveiling a painting of the USS George H.W. Bush, former President Bush said that his two main goals at this point in his life are to be alive when the aircraft carrier is launched and to be on the bridge when it is put in commission and taken to sea.

"I know the president pretty well, and I bet I can work that out," Bush said.

Executive director of the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Rear Admiral David Bill stood beside the large shrouded painting as onlookers anxiously awaited its unveiling at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center in the George Bush Presidential Library.

The painting, by Stan Stokes, is called the "USS George H. W. Bush CVN-77," and was unveiled by Bush and Stokes on Monday.

Stokes' painting depicts the USS Bush at sea with fighter jets both landing aboard the battleship and taking off from its runway. The aircraft carrier is being built as a tribute to Bush's military service and dedication to troops and will be christened in March 2006.

"He's had many great things named after him, but I think this painting is quite an honor," said former first lady Barbara Bush. "He fought in World War II and was the youngest naval aviator at the age of 18. He was a wonderful man. He still is."

Bush said the painting reminds him of the time he spent as a carrier pilot. "I am also reminded of the blessings in my life now," he said. "It represents our strong future and nobility for fighting."

The painting will be housed at the Bush Library.

"The painting only really took a few months," Stokes said. "I've been painting full time for 36 years. When I get a project and a deadline, it kind of takes over my life."

Bush said the painting will serve to remind him of his days spent in the military.

"I do not miss a lot about the presidency, but I do miss dealing with the services," Bush said. "I have great respect for those who serve. This picture of this carrier will remind me of that forever."

Gary Laughlin, an NPS founder and longtime friend of Bush's, said the USS Bush will be a major war ship in three or four years, but will also act as a beacon of friendship.

"Although it could serve as a death machine, the ship will encourage peace, invoking fear as soon as it is put into the water," Laughlin said. Founders of the NPS commissioned the painting. Gary Vandeweghe, an NPS founder, said the school instructs about 1,600 students.

Bill said that when Bush was in office the Navy had 550 ships, but now the number has dropped to fewer than 300. Because funding is needed to improve the Navy, programs such as the NPS have seen diminishing amounts of money through the years.

Bill said that because of assistance from Bush and NPS founders, the NPS has seen tremendous change.

Vandeweghe said Bush has signed prints of the painting that will be sold to the public.

"Though it works as a fundraiser for us, our principle motive is to pay respect to such a great leader," Vandeweghe said.

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