The Virginian-Pilot
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NORFOLK
The aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush began acceptance trials this morning.
The ship left Norfolk Naval Station about 8:30 a.m., in what will be the final hurdle before the Navy takes ownership.
The $6.3 billion ship was granted a special commissioning status during its ceremony in January. It passed sea trials, also known as builder's trials, in February.
Operational training is set for later this year. Operational deployment is expected to begin in 2010.
The Bush is the last of the Nimitz-class of carriers and will be followed by the Gerald R. Ford, which is scheduled for completion in 2015.
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