San Diego Welcomes USS Ronald Reagan (POST HOMECOMING PHOTOS HERE)

KGTV-San Diego and AP ^ | 7/23/04

[Wolfstar]

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 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.

From the Associated Press:

ABOARD THE USS RONALD REAGAN - The 1,092-foot nuclear aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan steamed toward its San Diego Bay home port for the first time Friday, with one of the late president's sons on board. Nancy Reagan was to make her first public appearance since her husband's death last month when she participates in Friday morning's home-porting celebration at Coronado in San Diego Bay. A helicopter was to take her out to the carrier shortly before it arrives.

More than 10,000 people are expected dockside for the ship's arrival.

The late president's son Michael Reagan was flown to the aircraft carrier Thursday morning as it steamed hundreds of miles offshore. Celebrities such as actor Tom Selleck and members of the news media also were brought aboard.

"It's really such a pleasure to be here," Michael Reagan told a gathering of crew members.

Nancy Reagan christened the partially completed ship in 2001, breaking a bottle of American sparkling wine against its bow. She was on hand in Norfolk, Va., again last year when it was commissioned, telling the crew to "bring her to life."

Capt. Andres "Drew" Brugal, the executive officer, said hosting Mrs. Reagan aboard the ship will be a thrill.

"Obviously it's kind of a sad time right now, so close to the president's death. She's the sponsor of the ship and we're very happy to see her. Her only request was she wanted to see the sailors and see the Ronald Reagan Room," he said. The room is a museum featuring wardrobe from Reagan's movies, posters and a video presentation.

The USS Reagan towers 20 stories above the waterline and is nearly as long as the Empire State Building is tall. Its flight deck covers 4› acres.

The ship sailed May 27 from Norfolk with a crew of 3,600, making its lengthy journey through the Straits of Magellan at the tip of South America. Reagan died June 5 at 93.

"It was probably most fitting and most appropriate that at the time of his passing, a carrier strike group named in his honor was in fact conducting the very same kind of operations that he espoused through his presidency - peace through strength," said Rear Adm. Robert Moeller, who commands the carrier strike group named for Reagan.

As a nod to Reagan's Hollywood days, the ship has a celebrity walk of fame with such names as Alfred Hitchcock and Spencer Tracy on the mess deck.

[Wolfstar]

A tribute to former president Ronal Reagan plays on a video monitor next to the USS Nimitz during an arrival ceremony for the Navy's newest aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan...

Actor Tom Selleck shakes hands with petty officer Shaunik Johnson aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, Thursday, July 22, 2004, off the coast of California.

Michael Reagan, left, son of former President Ronald Reagan (news - web sites) looks back as an F/A-18E Super Hornet launches off the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, Thursday, July 22, 2004, somewhere off the coast of California.

[Wolfstar]

I will continue to post news photos during the morning. I encourage all who are interested to use this thread to post USS Reagan homecoming photos they find (or take).

[alisasny]

THANKS cant wait to see all the pics : )

GOD BLESS NANCY : ) She looks wonderful : )

[Wolfstar]

Ping for photos — Nancy looks great on that deck surrounded by sailors.

[elbucko]

And a handsome ship she is.

A fitting tribute to a man who knew that strength was the essence of peace.

[Old Sarge]

So happy and proud to see this huge hunk of freedom making port!

And yeah, Miss Nancy is looking better...

[Hans]

Many, many thanks for the wonderful
post.

[Wolfstar]

She does look great — and those young sailors look as proud as peacocks to have their ship's sponsor (Nancy Reagan) aboard.

[Wolfstar]

Oh, Hans, I'm so glad to do it for us "cubicle challenged," and for those who live too far from San Diego to see it for themselves.

[socal_parrot]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1177167/posts

[Wolfstar]

Grand ship, isn't she, Sarge. Brings tears to my eyes to see her come home to California. Gov. Arnold is there to greet her, which shows what a big deal this is here. Heck, even the pathetically shallow local L.A. media were covering it.

[Wolfstar]

Oh, sorry. Didn't realize this was a dupe thread. I did a search on USS Reagan and didn't find a current thread for today's event.

Admin Moderator, please pull this thread, and I'll post the photos over on the earlier one. Thanks.

[Freee-dame]

Thanks for the pictures. Go Navy !

[REAGANBELONGS TO THE AGES]

Ha!

I got three things to say:

There are two type of vessels in the Navy: Submarines and targets.

Shit floats!

Full speed ahead, steady as she goes!

[Integrityrocks]

It really does bring to the surface all those reasons to be a PROUD AMERICAN. God Bless them all!!

[alisasny]

The USS Iowa is docked there right? I hope to make a visit someday to see both ships : )

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

RONNIE gives all = We have it all


http://www.TheAlamoFILM.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3466


...and that's OURSELVES.

.

[xrp]

USS Ronald Wilson Reagan circa 2372

[alisasny]

I can only imagine how sad the crew of wonderful sailors felt when they got word that our Beloved President had passed away, today must be a wonderful day for them.

[Wolfstar]

Turns out this is a duplicate thread. Have asked Admin Moderator to pull it. Please go here: