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~The FReeper Canteen Presents~ Road Trip: USS Ronald Reagan, California 
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarrier in the service of the United States Navy. The ninth ship of her class, she is named in honor of former President Ronald Reagan, President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Upon her christening in 2001, she was the first ship to be named for a former president still living at the time. Ronald Reagan was the first nuclear powered warship of any kind to be named in honor of a living former president. Unlike most of the other men honored by inclusion in this group, Reagan was not associated with the United States Navy, apart from his term as Commander-in-Chief, though one of his key initiatives in office was the 600-ship Navy program. 
The contract to build Reagan was awarded to Northrop Grumman Newport News and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Virginia on 8 December 1994, and her keel was laid down on 12 February 1998. The budget for the ship had to be increased several times and ultimately $4.5 billion was spent on her construction. 
This included a redesigned ship island. Reagan was christened by Reagan's wife Nancy on 4 March 2001 at Newport News Shipbuilding, the crew moved aboard on 30 October 2002, and the ship was commissioned on 12 July 2003 at Naval Station Norfolk, with Captain J. W. Goodwin in command. Vice President Dick Cheney and Lynne Cheney were both present at the ceremony, as well as Nancy Reagan, who gave the ship's crew the traditional first order as an active unit of the Navy: "Man the ship and bring her to life." Ronald Reagan made her maiden voyage on 21 July 2003. 
USS Ronald Reagan is the first carrier to have the Integrated Communication Advanced Network (ICAN) installed throughout all areas of the ship. ICAN consolidates a number of separate, cumbersome devices and replaces them with single, multi-function, multi-purpose units. ICAN impacts the distribution of navigational data, ships control, machinery control, interior and external communication, the core network backbone and associated power. 
Digital communications run on a laser fiber backbone for enhanced communications and future upgrade capability. The ship’s engines have been outfitted with Titanium pistons for increased strength. Digital flat panels, instead of analog panels, are installed on the bridge. The ship’s control console uses a touch screen format. 
The San Diego-based aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan was diverted to the northern coast of Japan on March 11, 2011, to provide aid to victims of a magnitude 8.9 earthquake that has more than killed 300 people. The government of Japan has requested U.S. military assistance, said Cmdr. Greg Hicks of the 3rd Fleet in San Diego.
"Obviously, the Reagan has a huge amount of capability there from helicopter lift to medical," Hicks said. The Reagan was cruising across the Pacific en-route to deployment in the western Pacific Ocean and waters of the Middle East after departing Coronado last month. Learn More About The USS Ronald Reagan HERE!
FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT~Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allies military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before.
Please remember: The Canteen is a place to honor and entertain our troops. The Canteen is family friendly. Let's have fun! We pray for your continued strength, to be strong in the face of adversity. We pray for your safety, that you will return to your families and friends soon. We pray that your hope, courage, and dignity remain unbroken, so that you may show others the way. God Bless You All ~ Today, Tomorrow and Always |
Lamh Foistenach Abu! 
