PHOTO ALBUM CVN-76
Posted on 01/04/2006 4:42:16 PM PST by SandRat
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, as well as the other training events leading up to deployment, have proved that we have the speed and agility to quickly execute operations around the world in support of the war on terror. When we deploy for real-world operations, Carrier Strike Group 7 will be an example of how the Navy is able to carry out our mission anytime, anywhere in the world,” said Miller.
According to Ronald Reagan Commanding Officer Capt. Terry B. Kraft, the ship was made ready for the deployment through the hard work and dedication of the officers and crew.
“It was great watching the way the crew of the ship and the air wing came together during work-ups to make the ship ready for deployment. I know this crew is ready to carry out any mission that will be asked of us during the upcoming deployment,” said Kraft.
The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is comprised of CVW-14, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Reagan, the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), the guided-missile destroyers USS McCampbell (DDG 85) and USS Decatur (DDG 73), the fast-combat support ship USS Rainier (AOE 7), and Explosives Ordnance Disposal Unit 11, Det. 15.
The squadrons of CVW-14 include the “Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, the “Fist of the Fleet” of VFA-25, the “Stingers” of VFA-113, the “Eagles” of VFA-115, the “Black Eagles” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the “Cougars” of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, the “Providers” of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 30, and the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.
Reagan was commissioned in July 2003, making it the ninth Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The ship is named after the 40th U.S. president, and carries the motto of “Peace through Strength,” a recurrent theme during the Reagan presidency.
For related news, visit the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn76/.
USS Ronald Reagan ping
Maiden voyage? How many ladies sailed and how many will leave afore the cruise is over.
UNDERWAY ON NUCLEAR POWER
May "The Big Boss Man" know of her greatness.
ditto
Years have passed since my Navy days, but I'll tell you what, this ship stirs my heart. This is one old conservative that would love to be part of her crew!
She bears the name of the greatest president of modern times. How proud I'd be to wear THAT name on my shoulder. I envy the sailors lucky enough to be part of her crew.
Beautiful! :-D
Two Arleigh Burkes DDG and one Ticonderoga CG is a small escort force.
Mr. Kraft, tear those terrorists down.
God's speed to all our Sailors and Marines on board the proud carrier!
I think so too. Hopefully the next gen DDX's and Virginia class subs are in the planning for the group.
The sub will be joining them from Pearl.
Thanks for posting this.
My baby brother is on this ship. God give him the talent and wisdom to do the right things at the right times and stay safe. I know he will though, he's a complete professional.
His little boy and his wife are missing him terribly already. By the time he gets back, his boy will be two and his wife will be in her sixth month of pregnancy.
I have retired from the Navy, but I wish I were there with him. I guess I say that becuase deployments are easier in hindsight than they were in real time.
Good luck Brother
BTTT
Out of sight, out of mind....
I spent 18 years in the navy and did 4 1/2 Med Cruises, 1 North Atlantic, and 2 WestPacs. The first couple cruises were pretty exciting - going to places you have never been before, etc. However, by the time of my last WestPac - 92-93 onboard the USS Chosin, I was pretty much bored with them. At the end of the WestPac, I vowed if I ever served onboard another ship, it would be out of NORVA. I got tired of visiting ports where people still lived in grass huts - Tarawa!
Again, thank you to you and your brother for your service.
Actually it's...
Haze Grey and Underway
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