Crew of USS George H.W. Bush holds flashlight vigil for ship’s namesake

Sailors held a silent and solemn tribute for the man their ship is named for -- former President George H.W. Bush.

Members of the crew of the USS George H.W. Bush held a flashlight vigil for Bush Wednesday, the U.S. Naval Institute reported.

Crewmembers lined up in formation to spell GHWB 41, the president’s initials and the number of his presidency.

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CVN 77 was named after Bush, who served in the Navy, joining on his 18th birthday on June 12, 1942 as a Seaman 2nd Class. He got his commission and earned his wings the next year, at the age of 18, becoming the youngest Navy pilot at the time.

He served on active duty from August 1942 until September 1945.

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