Cranston native Rear Adm. Loiselle among honorary pallbearers at Bush services

PROVIDENCE — Navy Rear Adm. Andrew Loiselle, a Cranston native who grew up to be a Navy pilot and eventually commander of the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush, was among the honorary pallbearers as Bush’s casket arrived in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday.

Loiselle, who graduated from Warwick's Bishop Hendricken High School, went to Assumption College in Worcester on a ROTC scholarship, graduating in 1988 with a degree in mathematics.

He went on to become a Navy fighter pilot, flight instructor and nuclear engineer before being chosen in 2013 to command the 1,092-foot-long ship. The aircraft carrier is home to more than 5,000 Navy personnel.

Loiselle was one of 13 honorary pallbearers.