Free Republic

CORONADO — The USS Ronald Reagan and three warships in its strike group returned to San Diego today following a five-month deployment that included air strikes in support of U.S. forces in Afghanistan and operations against pirates off Somalia. Thousands of family members lined the docks at Naval Air Station North Island to greet the arrival of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and at Naval Base San Diego to welcome home the crews of the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville and the guided-missile destroyers USS Gridley and USS Howard. There are more than 5,000 sailors and aviators on the four ships, which...

ABOARD USS RONALD REAGAN AT SEA, July 6, 2009 – The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group relieved the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group today in command of Task Force 50 and launched its first sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 22 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, July 6, 2009. Ronald Reagan relieved USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in command of Task Force 50 and launched its first sorties into Afghanistan to support Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Apprentice Oliver Cole  (Click...

Knowing all too well the anguish that military families can endure, the "Second Family" of the United States evoked a personal passion in their greetings Thursday to the men and women of the USS Ronald Reagan. As the crew stood at attention, Jill Biden's voice echoed across the deck of the ship, "I am amazed at your courage, your dignity, and your sense of patriotism and commitment to our country. I am proud to be here today as the 'second lady'. And I am also proud to be here as a mother of a soldier serving in Iraq. Like your...

Welcome on board the USS Ronald Reagan as we slip out to sea past the skyline of San Diego. And you might well be asking what does an aircraft carrier have to do with America’s Heartland, with a show about agriculture. Well, a couple of things quickly come to mind. One, many of the men and women on this ship have their roots and values buried deep in the heartland. They come from the ranches, the farms and the small farming communities.

Kuwait has activated its Emergency War Plan after an armada of US naval battle groups headed for the Persian Gulf, Middle East Times reports. The report comes after DEBKAfiles claimed on Monday that the USS Theodore Roosevelt, the USS Ronald Reagan, and the USS Iwo Jima are sailing toward the Persian Gulf to reinforce the US strike forces in the region. The US naval force is accompanied by a British Royal Navy carrier battle group and a French nuclear hunter-killer submarine. The deployment is believed to be the largest naval task force assembled by the United States and its allies...

Two additional United States naval aircraft carriers are heading to the Gulf and the Red Sea, according to the Kuwaiti newspaper Kuwait Times. Kuwait began finalizing its "emergency war plan" on being told the vessels were bound for the region. The US Navy would neither confirm nor deny that carriers were en route. US Fifth Fleet Combined Maritime Command located in Bahrain said it could not comment due to what a spokesman termed "force-protection policy." While the Kuwaiti daily did not name the ships it believed were heading for the Middle East, The Media Line's defense analyst said they could...

Two additional United States naval aircraft carriers are heading to the Gulf and the Red Sea, according to the Kuwaiti newspaper Kuwait Times. Kuwait began finalizing its "emergency war plan" on being told the vessels were bound for the region. The US Navy will neither confirm nor deny that carriers are currently en route. US Fifth Fleet Combined Maritime Command located in Bahrain said it could not comment because of what a spokesman termed "force-protection policy." While the Kuwaiti daily did not name the ships it believes are heading for the Middle East, The Media Line's defense analyst said they...

USS RONALD REAGAN, At sea (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and the pilots and aircrew of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Four (HS-4) rescued a teenage girl Dec. 15 who suffered a ruptured appendix while aboard a cruise ship in the Pacific Ocean. The girl, a 14 year-old from Albion Ill., had been experiencing abdominal pains while aboard the Dawn Princess. The Bermuda-flagged vessel was located off the coast of southern Baja California, Mexico and was approximately 550 miles away from Ronald Reagan when they issued the distress call late Saturday evening. "It's a great example of the...

SAN DIEGO — A teenager whose appendix ruptured at sea, hundreds of miles from help, got safely to shore Tuesday after an unusual rescue in which the Navy airlifted her from a cruise ship for emergency surgery. Laura Montero, 14, fell ill aboard the Dawn Princess cruise ship off the coast of Baja California. The Bahamian-registered ship sent out a distress call Friday that was answered by the USS Ronald Reagan, which was on maneuvers about 500 miles away.

071030-N-6074Y-053 PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 30, 2007) - USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) conducts rudder checks as part of the ship's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) following a six-month Planned Incremental Availability. All naval vessels are periodically inspected by INSURV to check their material condition and battle readiness. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class M. Jeremie Yoder (RELEASED)

DEL MAR, Calif., Aug. 24, 2006 -- Del Mar Thoroughbred Club pulled out all the stops yesterday as it saluted more than 1,000 sailors of the USS Ronald Reagan just returned from a deployment to the Persian Gulf. Petty Officer 1st Class Anthony Balasa and his daughter Sabrina, 6, watch the horses and trainers warm up prior to the start of a race at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif., Aug. 23. The racetrack opened its gates to the sailors assigned to the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan who returned from a six-month deployment just six weeks ago....

The Chargers kicked of their 18th annual Salute to the Military Weekend Friday with what is believed to be the first NFL practice ever held aboard a ship. The Bolts visited the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan (CNV 76), where they held their day-before-game walkthrough and spent more than two hours mingling with sailors aboard the ship.

Navy refutes Iran claim that UAV buzzed Reagan 'A news item that an Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle loitered over the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan in the Persian Gulf was refuted by Navy officials this week. “It was an erroneous report,” said Lt. Bashon Mann, a Navy spokesman at the Pentagon. On Thursday, a United Press International wire story cited a report from Azerbaijan’s Trend news agency quoting Iranian officials and Iranian news service claims that a pilotless drone flew over the Reagan for 25 minutes before descending back into Iran.' Read more at: http://www.navytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-1843922.php

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan returned Thursday from its first deployment. With a crew of nearly 5,000, the vessel spent six months in the western Pacific Ocean and Persian Gulf, where it supported operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Three ships with the Ronald Reagan's Carrier Strike Group - the guided-missile destroyers McCampbell and Decatur and the cruiser Lake Champlain - also steamed into San Diego Bay, escorted by SH-60 Seahawk helicopters. Servicemembers were greeted by thousands of flag-and-sign-waving family members and friends who packed the docks at Naval Air Station North Island. Some sailors saw their babies...

Aircraft Carriers USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) sail in formation at the start of Exercise Valiant Shield 2006.

The USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Kitty Hawk and USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike groups steam in formation during a joint photo exercise (PHOTOEX) in preparation for Valiant Shield 2006 on Sunday, June 18, 2006, in the Pacific Ocean. The PHOTOEX featured 14 ships as well as 17 aircraft from Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corp including a B2 bomber. The Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group is currently participating in Valiant Shield 2006, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area beginning June 19-23, the exercise involves 28 Naval vessels including three carrier strike groups,...

<p>TEHRAN, May 30 (RIA Novosti) - A pilotless Iranian reconnaissance plane circled for 25 minutes over a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf before returning safely to its base, a senior Iranian official said Tuesday. "Our pilotless reconnaissance plane flew over the USS Ronald Reagan in the Persian Gulf unnoticed to the Americans for 25 minutes," the official said, according to Iran's Fars agency. He did not say when the flight took place, but added that U.S. radars picked up the unmanned aerial vehicle after 25 minutes, and that four USAF fighters and two helicopters were scrambled to intercept it. However, the Iranian plane had already crossed the border back into Iran and landed at its base. "This points to holes in the U.S. military reconnaissance systems deployed in the Persian Gulf," the Iranian official said.</p>

ABOARD USS RONALD REAGAN (NNS) -- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 concluded military operations as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) May 29. The nearly 6,000 Sailors assigned to the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group supported operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as conducted maritime security operations (MSO) in the region. MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international...

ABOARD USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Mothers aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) received a warm embrace from Sailors from the Supply Department as a special luncheon celebration was prepared for them on the aft mess decks May 10. The ceremony was designed to celebrate Mother’s Day for the hundreds of mothers assigned to Ronald Reagan, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, who will be away from their children on the special day. Culinary Specialists, food service attendants and members of the ship's 3 & 2 Association provided the...

CENTRAL PERSIAN GULF, April 28, 2006 – Civilian opinion leaders who visited the USS Ronald Reagan today got a taste of what it's like to be the biggest, toughest guy on the block - one whose presence brings comfort to his friends but fear in his enemies. Click photo for screen-resolution image Participants in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference watch stand on the USS Ronald Reagan's flight deck and watch F-18 Hornets take off for missions supporting ground troops in Iraq. Photo by Donna Miles (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The business, civic, organizational and academic leaders, all...

CENTRAL PERSIAN GULF, April 28, 2006 – Civilian opinion leaders who visited the USS Ronald Reagan today got a taste of what it's like to be the biggest, toughest guy on the block - one whose presence brings comfort to his friends but fear in his enemies. Participants in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference watch stand on the USS Ronald Reagan's flight deck and watch F-18 Hornets take off for missions supporting ground troops in Iraq. Photo by Donna Miles  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The business, civic, organizational and academic leaders, all participants in the Joint Civilian...

ABOARD THE USS RONALD REAGAN, April 27, 2006 – All the sailors aboard this floating city understand that what they do helps their brothers and sisters in arms in Iraq and Afghanistan. F-18s stand ready on the USS Ronald Reagan. The ship epitomizes the 40th president's motto of "peace through strength." Photo by Sgt. Maj. Richard Puckett, USA    A visit to the Navy's newest aircraft carrier shows that the sailors aboard believe they are the living embodiment of President Reagan's motto of "peace through strength." The carrier, which is on its first extended deployment from its home base...

USS Ronald Reagan in Jebel Ali Posted: Saturday, March 18, 2006 Dubai US navy aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, has arrived in the Dubai port of Jebel Ali. The carrier's 4,800 crew members 'will have a chance to tour, shop, and enjoy liberty,' said a statement by the US Navy's Fifth Fleet based in Bahrain. The 334-metre nuclear-powered vessel arrived in the Gulf last month to conduct maritime security operations in the region and 'support ground troops in Iraq,' said the statement. 'Visits to places like Jebel Ali and Dubai in the UAE are a great opportunity for our...

Jets from the USS Ronald Reagan officially joined the fight in Iraq on Wednesday as two F/A-18E Hornets launched from the flight deck and dropped ordnance on enemy targets, Navy officials said. “We launched our first combat sorties two days ago and have had great results supporting the Operation Iraqi Freedom and our maritime support obligations,” the carrier’s commanding officer, Capt. Terry Kraft, said in an e-mail Friday. The Reagan, the Navy’s newest and most advanced nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is on its maiden operational deployment. It recently arrived in the Navy’s 5th Fleet area of operations to support the U.S....

Reagan Carrier Strike Group Enters U.S. 5th Fleet Story Number: NNS060219-04 Release Date: 2/19/2006 11:03:00 PM From USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs ABOARD USS RONALD REAGAN (NNS) -- The Navy’s newest aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), along with embarked Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 7 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations Feb. 18 as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces. While in the region, Reagan will support Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO). More than 6,000 Sailors are...

The Indian and US navies have set up a Valentine’s Day tryst with aircraft carriers. The USS Ronald Reagan, named after a predecessor of US President George W. Bush who is scheduled to visit in early March, will be teaming up with the INS Viraat off the coast of Sri Lanka on February 14. The USS Ronald Reagan is steaming in from Singapore at the head of a carrier strike group that is forward deployed in the US’s “global war on terrorism”. The rendezvous for the passage exercise — or Pas Ex — was set up in quicktime because the...

Story Number: NNS060129-01 Release Date: 1/29/2006 2:20:00 PM By U.S. Seventh Fleet Public Affairs BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- A single seat F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 and to Carrier Air Wing 14 was involved in a mishap while attempting to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) approximately 120 miles southeast of Brisbane, Australia, Jan. 28 at approximately 4:17 a.m. (PST). The pilot ejected safely and was recovered. There were no injuries. The name of the pilot will not be released until next-of-kin have been notified. USS Ronald...

United States officials have confirmed an FA-18 Hornet strike fighter plane has ditched into the sea while attempting a night landing near Brisbane. The aircraft was attempting to land on the flight deck of the USS Ronald Reagan during a training exercise early yesterday morning about 200 kilometres south-east of Brisbane. Lieutenant Commander Gary Ross says the pilot ejected safely but the $37 million aircraft was lost. The pilot was rescued from the sea. Lieutenant Commander Ross says five other jets were forced to fly in to Brisbane because they were short on fuel. "There were five aircraft that were...

Ditched jet to stay on seabed Cameron Atfield and Rosanne Barrett30jan06 A $40 million fighter jet which ditched into the sea 220km southeast of Brisbane after failing to land on aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan is unlikely to be salvaged. The pilot was forced to eject from the US Navy jet off the Australian coast late on Saturday after a night landing "mishap". The single-seat F/A-18C twin-engine strike fighter was the first plane lost from the 97,000-tonne carrier, which spent last week moored at Brisbane's Fisherman Islands. It was not clear last night if the jet had been carrying weapons....

IT might be one of the world's most impressive displays of military might, but the USS Ronald Reagan is no match for Queensland's jellyfish. Some capabilities aboard the 97,000-tonne, $5 billion aircraft carrier were disabled after the blubbery invertebrates were sucked into its condensers while docked in the Port of Brisbane. Condensers are used to take in water from the ocean and cool down the ship's engines. A spokesman today confirmed the slimy creatures had caused problems during incoming tides. "The impact was minor and required shifting of electrical generators in order to clear the fouled inlets," he said. "The...

Reporter: Lisa Millar PETER CAVE: Brisbane is bracing for an American onslaught today after the arrival late yesterday of the USS Ronald Reagan - the biggest and newest aircraft carrier in the world. It's on its maiden voyage and Brisbane is the first port of call. Lisa Millar reports. LISA MILLAR: Queensland's newest tourism attraction is a mammoth aircraft carrier docked in Brisbane for the next five days. The nuclear powered ship has sailed from San Diego - Brisbane is its first port of call. Larger than three football fields and higher than a 20-story building, it has firepower too....

060123-N-0610T-139 Brisbane, Australia (Jan. 23, 2006) - The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), arrives in Brisbane, Australia, for a scheduled port visit. While in port, Reagan's crew will have a chance to participate in friendship-building and goodwill-generating activities. Reagan is currently on its maiden deployment in support of global war on terrorism and maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class James Thierry (RELEASED) 060123-N-0610T-088 Brisbane, Australia (Jan. 23, 2006) – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), arrives in Brisbane, Australia, for a scheduled port visit. Reagan While in port, Reagan...

USS RONALD REAGAN, At sea (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), civilian mariners from USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7) and the pilots and aircrew of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 helped rescue a man who suffered from chest pains while aboard a civilian fishing vessel in the middle of the Pacific Ocean Jan 9. The victim, described only as a 35-year old Filipino male, had been suffering from chest pains while aboard the 85-foot fishing vessel Princess Jasmine. The vessel, along with its seven crew members, was located approximately 815 nautical miles northeast of Oahu, Hawaii, when they...

060105-N-7730P-013 Pacific Ocean (Jan. 6, 2006) - Commander, Carrier Air Wing One Four (CVW-14), Capt. Craig Williams, lands an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Two (VFA-22) on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Reagan Carrier Strike Group deployed in support of the global war on terrorism and maritime security operations. This is the maiden deployment for the Navy’s newest nuclear powered aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Gary Prill (RELEASED) 060105-N-7730P-019 Pacific Ocean (Jan. 5, 2006) - Commander, Carrier Air Wing...

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) departed San Diego Jan. 4 on a deployment to conduct naval operations in support of the global war on terrorism, as well as national and theater cooperative security commitments in the western Pacific. This will be the maiden deployment for the Navy’s newest Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. “During both COMPTUEX (Composite Unit Training Exercise) and JTFEX (Joint Task Force Exercise), Ronald Reagan and CVW (Carrier Air Wing) 14 proved to be a formidable fighting force,” said Rear Adm. Michael H. Miller, Ronald Reagan Strike Group commander. “Both of these major exercise,...

CORONADO, Calif. (AP) - The USS Ronald Reagan, the Navy's newest and largest aircraft carrier, sailed out of San Diego Bay Wednesday on its first deployment. The $4.5 billion carrier will lead five ships and 6,500 sailors on a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean. The ship is not scheduled to sail to the Persian Gulf. Michael Reagan, the former president's son, visited the USS Reagan this week to bid the crew farewell. "I said, 'My father would be awfully proud of you men and women on the USS Ronald Reagan,'" Michael Reagan said Wednesday. "I thanked them on...

SAN DIEGO -- The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan will depart from Naval Air Station North Island Wednesday on its maiden deployment to the Western Pacific in support of the war on terrorism, 10News reported. Also leaving from San Diego are the guided-missile destroyers McCampbell and Decatur and guided-missile cruiser Lake Champlain, part of the Ronald Reagan Strike Group, according to Navy public affairs. "It's just been a challenge getting the crew ready to go -- (their) excitement is building. About 70 and 80 percent of crew has never deployed before," said Capt. Bill Hart, an executive officer of the...

SANTA BARBARA (NNS) -- More than 3,000 Sailors from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) received a warm welcome Aug. 19 from the residents of Santa Barbara as they experienced all the food, shopping and hospitality the city has to offer. “Everyone I have run into has been very generous and inviting,” said Lt.j.g. Taiwan Holmes, Reagan’s repairable asset management branch officer. “It is amazing to see people go out of their way to thank you for the job you are doing," Holmes added. "It is very encouraging.” Sailors took tours of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and the Reagan Ranch,...

The Santa Barbara Navy League is proud to host the USS Ronald Reagan during its upcoming Santa Barbara Homecoming in August, 2005. We have many exciting events planned for the crew members, Navy League members and their guests. We hope you can join us as these events promise to be something you'll remember for years and years to come.

The Navy has punished two officers and two sailors in the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan's reactor department, including the captain in charge, for a series of events under their watch that included the accidental death of a sailor and a generator mishap that led to costly repairs and delays. The events did not involve the twin nuclear reactors on the Reagan, but are an embarrassment for the Navy's newest carrier, which is undergoing repairs as it awaits its first-ever deployment. Commanders took action following a review of events earlier this year in the ship's steam and electrical plants. On...

10 pm est on Discovery ChannelUSS Ronald Reagan

The latest aircraft carrier to join the US Navy is the USS Ronald Reagan -- CVN 76. But is with the passing of the Gipper, and what that great American stood for, what might be a future slogan be for this great ship. I think Ronnie would like it to be referred to as the Spirit of 76. And what American of the 20th Century more embodied the spirit this country was founded on -- the spirit of 1776 or the the spirit of the American Independence. That spirit is embodied in our Declaration of Independence -- without a doubt...

From KGTV-San Diego via Yahoo News:Former first lady Nancy Reagan and other dignitaries are scheduled to be on hand today as the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, arrives at its homeport in San Diego. The 1,096-foot ship with a crew of about 3,000 is scheduled to dock at Naval Air Station North Island about 10 a.m. (Pacific time). The Reagan has two nuclear reactors that can power the ship for more than 20 years without having to refuel. It carries more than 80 combat aircraft and can house up to 6,000 sailors. The Nimitz-class carrier was was...

San Diego Welcomes USS Reagan 10,000 People Expected To Greet Navy's Newest Carrier SAN DIEGO -- Former first lady Nancy Reagan and other dignitaries are scheduled to be on hand today as the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, arrives at its homeport in San Diego. The 1,096-foot ship with a crew of about 3,000 is scheduled to dock at Naval Air Station North Island about 10 a.m. The Reagan has two nuclear reactors that can power the ship for more than 20 years without having to refuel. It carries more than 80 combat aircraft and can house...

The San Diego Chapter held a special dinner to honor Jim Robinson. We arrived early at the restaurant only to discover it might be an hour before we could have dinner. The restaurant herded us (22) into the bar so we wouldn't take up their whole lobby, and we all chatted and got acquainted; some imbibed in their favorite beverage. While we were in the bar, a classy looking guy and his wife walked into the bar. He looked so familiar to me .. and all of a sudden somebody said his name .. and WOW! it was Joseph Perkins...

Group raises $1 million for 'creature comforts'Four years ago, Connie Los signed adoption papers and ever since she and an extended "family" numbering in the hundreds have been busy raising their baby – the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan. Actually, they have been raising money – more than $1 million – for the flattop, which arrives at its San Diego home port Friday with a crew of 3,000 men and women. Los and her group are members of the Navy League's Santa Barbara chapter, which has adopted the Navy's newest carrier and taken the responsibility of providing extra amenities for the...

The San Diego Chapter of Free Republic is excited to welcome the founder of Free Republic, Jim Robinson and his family. In honor of this visit, the SD Chapter is hosting a dinner. Here are the details: Date: Saturday, July 24, 2004 Time: 4-4:30 p.m. Place: Olive Garden Restaurant 3215 Sports Arena Blvd. San Diego, CA 92110 Attire: Casual Contact: "onyx" and "doodlelady" via FReepmail to make your reservation. Those who want to attend the dinner should plan on paying for their own meals, as well as being asked to contribute an extra couple of dollars to cover the Robinson...

The Navy's newest aircraft carrier, the Ronald Reagan, is coming home to San Diego – for the first time. The massive warship, the ninth Nimitz-class carrier, will make a jubilant arrival in the bay Friday, docking at 10 a.m. at a North Island Naval Air Station pier after a 57-day journey from Norfolk, Va. Former first lady Nancy Reagan, in her first public appearance since the June funeral of the former president, is expected to attend, along with stepson Michael Reagan, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, local congressmen and other officials. "It's going to start (the crew) off with a great feeling,"...

USS Truman: Out for fun and games? FILE UNDER: 'NO WAY TO DELAY THAT TROUBLE COMING EVERY DAY'USS Harry S. Truman, USS Enterprise Leave Norfolk to Test Navy's Deployment Capabilities (AP) - The USS Harry S. Truman sailed Wednesday- and the USS Enterprise left Thursday - in a test of the Navy's ability to have seven of its 12 carriers away from port simultaneously, a major shift from the way carriers have traditionally been used. The two Norfolk-based carriers are participating in the exercise, dubbed "Summer Pulse 04." "Summer Pulse 04" continues through August, with seven carriers conducting joint exercises...

The huge nuclear powered carrier is heading for San Diego, her operational port and during the long journey from Norfolk in the east coast participated in exercises with the Brazilian and Argentine navies. She’s escorted by missile cruiser USS Thomas Gates and destroyer USS Benfold. In Valparaíso the flotilla will be joined by USS Camden, a support vessel and tanker. While sailing along the Pacific USS Ronald Reagan, CVN 76, will be involved in naval exercises with units and aircrafts from the Chilean Navy. Actually two Chilean pilots are advising the carrier how to get through the Magellan Strait. USS...