Schedule of events for aircraft carrier Bush commissioning

The commissioning of the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) will be a multistage affair. Here's a taste of the highlights. All events are by invitation only.

Friday

• 11 a.m., Ship's Sponsor Luncheon, Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, Norfolk. This is held in honor of the ship's sponsor, Bush's daughter Dorothy Bush Koch, who has been involved with the ship since the beginning. She'll receive gifts from the ship's prospective commanding officer, Capt. Kevin O'Flaherty.
• 7 p.m., Commissioning Gala, Vista Point, Norfolk Naval Station. Guests from the military, business and political communities, as well as Bush family members and friends, will toast the commissioning.

Saturday

• 8:30 a.m., Pre-Commissioning Breakfast, Norfolk Naval Station. VIPs and other guests will be briefed on what to expect.
• 11 a.m., Commissioning Ceremony, Norfolk Naval Station. The main event, held aboard the carrier itself, where political and military leaders will be on hand to honor the ship and its namesake. Presidents George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush will speak, as will Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The ship will be commissioned and its sponsor, Dorothy Bush Koch, will "bring it to life," ushering the ship's crew aboard. Capt. Kevin O'Flaherty will assume command. Usually, the ship then officially becomes part of the U.S. fleet. However, because construction of the Bush is not complete, it will be granted a special commissioning status until its official delivery.
• Post-Commissioning Reception, Norfolk Naval Station. Guests will head to the commissioning tent for food, drink and photos.
• Evening, Crew's Reception, Norfolk Naval Station. This party acknowledges and celebrates the 3,000-member crew's efforts in making the ship a reality. Comedian and TV host Jay Leno is expected to perform. A separate celebration will be held for the ship's duty crew, which must man the ship during the regular reception.