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The USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) was commissioned on Saturday, the Navy's ninth Nimitz class aircraft carrier. Named for the 40th U.S. President, this nuclear-powered vessel, which can operate for 20 years without refueling, is expected to meet the needs of the Navy and our country for 50 years.The ship was built by Northrop Grumman Newport News in Newport News, Virginia, and is slated for homeporting in San Diego, California, which Ronald Reagan considered his "lucky city" for beginning successful political campaigns.
The ship's motto "Peace Through Strength" is taken from a September 24, 1988 radio address to the nation on foreign policy, in which President Reagan uttered these words, "If we have learned anything these last eight years, it's that peace through strength works."
The ship carries a unique piece of artwork, a bronze profile of the ship's namesake, affixed to a small portion of the Berlin Wall, evoking President Reagan's stirring challenge in June 1987, "Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." The artist, Chas Fagan, a former Soviet Studies major, remarked, "The events ... [since 9-11] have called on us to apply a bit of Reagan-like resolve in facing down those who would do us harm. The name 'Ronald Reagan' is a bold reminder of the strength that comes from character and steadfastness. ...The USS Ronald Reagan will sail with the memory of the President."
President Bush said at the ship's christening, "When we send her off to sea, it is certain that the Ronald Reagan will meet with rough waters, as well as smooth, and headwinds as well as fair. But she will sail tall and strong, like the man we have known. ...We live in a world shaped in so many ways by his will and heart. As President, Ronald Reagan believed without question that tyranny is temporary, and the hope of freedom is universal and permanent; that our nation has a unique goodness, and must remain uniquely strong; that God takes the side of justice, because all our rights are His own gifts. The strength of these beliefs gave strength to our allies and hope to political prisoners, and courage to average citizens in oppressed nations, and leadership to our military and to our country. Some achievements fade with the years. Ronald Reagan's achievements grow larger with the passing of time."
… from The Federalist (03-29 Monday Brief) July 14, 2003