President Biden on Monday named a Navy aircraft carrier after former Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush.
“I am proud to announce that the next two Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers will be named after two former presidents, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush,” Biden said in a statement Monday. “I think so,” he said.
“When I personally broke the news to Bill and George, they were very humbled.” the president added. “Each of us knows firsthand the weight of responsibility that comes with being commander in chief, and both of us are committed to our duty to await the safe return of our service members and support their worried families and loved ones. I know you very well.”
Bush, Clinton and Biden attended Carter's funeral last week, along with the other living presidents, former President Barack Obama and President-elect Trump.
In a statement Monday about the carriers, Biden said construction of the two ships, named after his predecessors, would begin “within the next few years.” Upon completion of the ships, the President added, “These ships will join the most capable, flexible, and professional Navy that has ever set sail.”
“Sailors from across the United States will serve as crews to navigate our ships in dangerous directions while protecting our interests abroad and our security at home,” Biden added.
