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Precommissioning Unit George H. W. Bush 1000th Sailors Reports Aboard

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070802-15
Release Date: 8/2/2007 2:45:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anthony Koch, PCU George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Pre-commissioning Unit (PCU) George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) reached a milestone July 20 with the arrival of its 1,000th Sailor.

Information Systems Technician Seaman Phillip Mayton became the 1,000th Sailor to report to Bush since the command stood up in June 2006.

Mayton was surprised by news that he wasn’t just an ordinary Sailor checking into PCU Bush -- he was the 1,000th.

“I had no idea,” said Mayton. “It feels good, and I’m a little nervous.”

Mayton’s arrival represents a milestone in PCU Bush history.

“With this arrival, we have nearly one-third of the crew aboard,” said PCU Bush Command Master Chief John Port. “This arrival is but a small milestone in a great journey.”

PCU Bush Commanding Officer, Capt. Kevin O’Flaherty, has seen the ship and the command grow from the beginning. Bush is currently under construction at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard.

“I’ve seen a lot in just over a year aboard,” said O’Flaherty. “We’ve gone from a few people working out of a small building, to now having Sailors manning all departments and working in about 10 locations, to include about 500 Sailors working on the ship every day.”

Now, with a crew of more than 1,000 Sailors, it is important that the motivation level stays high, according to Port.

“Every one of these great men and women are excited to see this ship coming to life,” said Port. “They are excited about their role in assisting the builder (Northrop Grumman Newport News) with the completion of this ship, and they truly relish the opportunity to serve on this ship!”

PCU Bush is expected to grow into a command of approximately 3,200 said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Calvin Revelle.

“It’s been challenging handling the number of personnel we receive every month,” said Revelle. “Our busiest month so far was November last year when we processed 103 Sailors.”

According to Revelle, PCU Bush will be fully manned late next year.

“It's been fast paced and we work a lot of overtime,” said Revelle. “But, that’s what being a PCU is all about and we’re up to the challenge.”

And as PCU Bush grows, it is important to never forget our mission, according to Port.

“Our end goal is commissioning this ship with the finest, fit, most professionally developed crew the fleet has ever seen,” said Port. “This crew will set the standard for others to follow. My take is we are well on our way!”