UPDATED: The USS George H.W Bush has arrived in the Solent this morning (Thursday) as part of her European and Middle East deployment.
At a tad under 1,100ft (333m) long the Nimitz-class American aircraft carrier is too big to enter Portsmouth Harbour and therefore is currently moored off Stokes Bay. She is expected to remain in the Solent until early next week, offering Islanders a clear view of the nuclear-powered warship from Ryde Pier and Ryde Esplanade.
Those unable to travel to Ryde to see the carrier in all her glory can watch her movements with the tide at www.isleofwightwebcams.co.uk. The webcam, which is situated on top of All Saint’s Church in Ryde, will regularly sweep the Solent offering unrivaled views.
The ship’s company of over 5,000 sailors are expected to descend on Portsmouth City during their stay, which is often a much-welcomed boost to the local economy.
USS George H.W Bush was completed in 2009 and last visited local waters in May 2012. She is named after the 41st President of the United States and former Director of Central Intelligence George H. W. Bush, who was a naval aviator during World War II.
Island Echo broke the news of the USS Bush’s arrival earlier this month.
