The US Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) got underway from its Yokosuka homeport on May 19 for operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
During this routine at-sea period, Ronald Reagan, its strike group ships and the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 are expected to work with allies and partners and promote adherence to a rules-based international order, the US 7th Fleet said in a statement.
Ronald Reagan deployed after completing selected restricted availability (SRA) maintenance following last year’s six-month deployment, which concluded in November 2020.
The carrier completed sea trials in preparation for deployment on May 13.
“Ronald Reagan’s flexible presence is a key element in helping assure our regional allies and partners that the United States remains committed to ensuring freedom of the seas,” said Capt. Fred Goldhammer, commanding officer of Ronald Reagan. “Across the globe, the crew aboard Ronald Reagan seeks to preserve ‘peace through strength’ and is ready to answer the call.”
“The Ronald Reagan carrier strike group is excited to deploy and assume the watch during a time of unprecedented activity throughout the region,” said Rear Adm. Will Pennington, commander, Task Force 70, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5. “Our team has worked hard to prepare for this moment. Alongside our regional allies and partners, we are ready to respond to any contingency in any location to demonstrate our shared commitment to regional stability and adherence to international norms.”
The Ronald Reagan Strike Group also includes the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67).
