Posted on 07/23/2004 10:00:59 AM PDT by Pylon
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 up to 6,000 sailors.
The Nimitz-class carrier was was named for the former president who died of pneumonia at his Bel-Air home at age 93 after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
The ex-president's son, Michael Reagan, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, members of Congress, state officials, Mayor Dick Murphy, actor Tom Selleck and other dignitaries are also scheduled to attend the welcoming ceremony.
The ship, commanded by Capt. James A. Symonds, left Norfolk, VA. in May and traveled more than 12,000 nautical miles, going around Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America, to reach San Diego Bay.
During the trip the carrier conducted training and air engagement exercises with Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru.
According to the San Diego Chamber of Commerce's Economic Research Bureau, the carrier will contribute $430.2 million annually to the local economy.
Five squadron detachments from Carrier Air Wing 11 are aboard the Reagan, including Strike Fighter Squadron 14 and 41.
Both squadrons fly the F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft and are based at Naval Air Station Lemoore.
Also aboard, are the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117, based at Point Mugu, Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Six and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30, based in San Diego.
PS: South40, your perspective helps to visualize just how really massive the Reagan is.
Thanks too for the great photographs to those posters.
Thanks.
Yeah, our local TV news here in L.A. really sucks.
Gentlestrength, I don't know if the double R was done while Nancy was in the helicopter. Up here in L.A., the coverage was very skimpy.
Entering San Diego harbor...
Against the skyline...
Tom Selleck and Michael Reagan on the bridge...
SHeDaisy performing for the crew...
FReeper favorite, Michael Reagan, having a ball as he watches planes take off...
Thanks for posting those pics!!
AWESOME pix, Wolfstar.
Am leaving for the Freeper Dinner with JimRob...
We'll be missing you, for sure!!!
You are both welcome. Have fun at the dinner.
I just noticed the burning stogie in Selleck's hand! You gotta love the guy! He's also a notable collector of rare and valuable historical firearms. What a guy!
Tom Selleck is one of my favorites among very slim pickings in modern Hollywood.
JK, glad you made it in time!
Looking forward to the pics from tonite...
No, not in this pic. But that grin is as wide as all outdoors, and speaks volumes about his pride and delight. (Of course, Ron "Pea" thinks it's all disgraceful that projection of American power, and all. But then, he's back to doing the only thing he's fit for, calling dog shows on Animal Planet.)
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