Posted on 06/24/2004 2:41:32 PM PDT by Al B.
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 Reagan carries over 80 aircraft and helicopters, a crew of 5,500 and cost 4,5 billion US dollars to build. She replaced USS Constellation that was decommissioned in 2003 after 41 years of service.
SAM>.if you're around, see #10 and 15 this thread..can you help?
No, not why do they not go through the canal - why don't they head around Cape Horn?
Ships move a lot slower, working through a coastal straight, than they do in the open ocean. So it can't be the distance.
All I can figure is that it's the lousy weather off the Cape.
Flight-ops and no imminent port call.
FYI.....a great ship named after one visionary transiting a body of water named after another.
Wow, that's a beautiful ship! I look at that and get a huge sense of security! My nephew is on a ship right now, not the Reagan, and we are so proud of him. God Bless The USA!
Norfolk to San Diego via the Strait of Magellan or Cape Horn? Do the math.
Ping. Continuing prayers for you and your family, Jeff.
ping
Thanks, I've added it to my wallpaper rotation.
And thanks to my source in navy.mil for the pics. He knows who he is.
What math?
Look at a map.
The straight is more than 400 miles of coastal sailing.
Going around the Horn is at most 200 additional miles - and in the open ocean.
"USS Reagan carries over 80 aircraft and helicopters, a crew of 5,500"...AND MY BABY! My son is on board the Reagan and I am so proud, I am obnoxious!
I'm also using these photos for wallpaper...to replace the USS Reagan photo currently in use!
Can someone provide an audio link?
I suggest the Imperial March from Star Wars!
God Bless the US NAVY!
Thank God for men and women like your "baby", who are so willing to serve our country- and the parents who raise them.
Wonderful pictures Johnny, thanks.
Many modern ships are built to Panamax specifications even though it would be economically more feasible to build them larger. "Panamax" is a size constraint.
The marine industry is now building VLCC's and VLCS's which will be built too large for the Panama Canal but not to large for another global chokepoint- the Malacca Straits.
These ships will not be constrained by beam as "Panamax" ships are. They will be constrained by the maximum draft one can transit the Malacca Straits with.
AV
What's sad to me is that Reagan never got to see the ship. He would have loved it.
I heard the other day on local San Diego radio that Michael Reagan will be put onboard prior to her arrival in San Diego .. so he can ride her into port. I'm sure it will be a great thrill for Michael.
The straits are about 240 miles, rounding Cape Horn about 650 miles to get to the same point, thus the Straits save about 400 miles and a much easier ride.
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