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Outgoing US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro has announced the names of two future Gerald R Ford Class aircraft carriers as USS William J Clinton and USS George W Bush.
The future USS William J Clinton (CVN 82) and USS George W Bush (CVN 83) will honour the 42nd and 43rd US presidents, respectively. Both ships will be the first US Navy vessels named after these presidents, continuing the tradition of naming aircraft carriers after US leaders.
Secretary Del Toro stated, “President Clinton and President Bush led the nation through pivotal moments in US history. Their legacies will live on through these aircraft carriers, dedicated to safeguarding national security and protecting our freedoms.”
Then President Clinton oversaw numerous military operations, including Operation Uphold Democracy, Operation Deliberate Force and Operation Allied Force, all without combat casualties. He also led significant diplomatic efforts, including the Oslo Accords, the Good Friday Agreement and sanctions against Iran while halting North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and expanding NATO.
“I’m honoured that future servicemembers will serve on a carrier bearing my name,” former president Clinton said.
In a White House ceremony on 3 January 2025, Secretary Del Toro announced Chelsea Clinton, the former president’s daughter, as the sponsor for the USS William J Clinton.
Then President Bush, following the 9/11 attacks, led the US into Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He restructured the US government, created the Department of Homeland Security and initiated the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). His tenure also saw NATO expansion and the establishment of US Africa Command and US Cyber Command.
“I am honoured my name will be associated with the Navy and our nation’s strength," said former president Bush.
Aircraft carriers are the cornerstone of the US Navy, providing unmatched capabilities for a wide range of missions, from striking forces to cyber operations.
