A B777 generator drive failed after takeoff forcing a return to land. On the subsequent flight after reaching cruise several electrical circuits lost power forcing another return to land. An emergency was declared on the second return to land but not the first.

Narrative

During initial climb GEN DRIVE FLR. Worked checklist and overweight checklist. Captain decision to complete all checklists and return to the departure airport. Maintenance log write-ups include GEN fault; overweight landing data and ETOPS 2 requirement; all satisfied by maintenance action. This was the first of two air interrupts for electrical faults. This first return we did not leave departure airspace and with checklist completed; approach was timely and all questions with approach about the why? And services needed on arrival were relayed with ATC vectors were the extent of our request. No special or priority handling. We just did not use the term emergency. Realized we should have post flight due to regulation. The following departure was normal until cruise when Flight Attendant reported loss of power in mid galleys and numerous other positions failing. Captain designated First Officer as pilot flying and concluded a lengthy process of research and phone conversation with Maintenance Control. Without a satisfactory consensus in this analysis a Dispatch Manager made the request to return to the departure airport again for passenger reasons. Captain concurred. This second return in a consequence of events at Captain direction; as pilot flying in cruise I did declare emergency with Oceanic Control at FL290 enroute requiring unusual attention with a course reversal; new routing; etc. Captain as pilot flying for overweight landing went very well. In my opinion; in this initial situation involving two air interrupts; Captain was in control and coordinated calm response; including all 4 flight crew; Flight Attendant with Dispatch was exceptional. I missed declaring emergency with the first return; I feel it was understood without saying with ATC because all the same questions and preparations were observed on both arrivals. Crews will not hesitate to declare when they need special handling. Emergency situation should be included in checklist where required.