USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Marks End Of Five-Month
Deployment
Four ships and more than 5,000 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group
(CSG) 7 returned to their homeport of San Diego Oct. 21 after a
five-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of
responsibility (AOR).
The strike group flagship, the Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft
carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the guided-missile cruiser USS
Chancellorsville (CG 62), the guided-missile destroyers USS Gridley
(DDG 101) and USS Howard (DDG 83) arrived to meet thousands of
family members waiting on the pier.
The guided missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) and the guided
missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) remain deployed. The two ships
remained in the 5th Fleet AOR for a few extra weeks to provide
Maritime Security Operations (MSO), but should arrive next
month.
"This is the finest team of Sailors I've been fortunate to call
shipmates," said Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, commander, CSG 7. "I could
not be more proud of each and every Sailor and their families. The
Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group has been pretty busy the last
few years, executing missions across the capabilities of our
National Maritime Strategy--and answering the call with impressive
results every time."
Ronald Reagan and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 operated in
the 5th Fleet AOR for more than two months, providing 30 percent of
all air support to U.S. and coalition ground forces in Afghanistan.
In total, they flew more than 1,600 sorties in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom.
Ships of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group were also vital
in counterpiracy operations off of Somalia and the Horn of Africa,
and MSO to include protecting vital Iraqi infrastructure in the
North Arabian Gulf.
"Every single Sailor knew how vital the mission was to
accomplish," said Capt. Kenneth Norton, Ronald Reagan's commanding
officer. "Because they understood, regardless of their operational
tempo, they performed the mission, not just to get it done, but to
get it done well. They're selfless. Everybody did their job well to
provide service to our Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen in
Afghanistan."
Additionally, Ronald Reagan's Sailors participated in 50
community relations (COMREL) projects during port visits to
Singapore, Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Phuket, Thailand.
"Being able to afford our Sailors the opportunity to lend a
helping hand to those who are truly in need, speaks volumes to the
character of our Sailors," said Chief Religious Progams Specialist
(SW/AW/FMF) Marcus Taylor, who coordinated Ronald Reagan's COMREL
projects. "I believe the Sailors that volunteer really should be
commended for their selfless efforts. It is a clear display of
maturity and devotion to being goodwill ambassadors for the Navy
and the United States."
Now at home, many Sailors of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike
Group will take leave to spend time with family and friends.
"This is my second deployment in two years," said Interior
Communications 2nd Class Adam Treptow, who will be going on leave
to his hometown of Parker, Colo. "Homecoming is always an
indescribable feeling. I'm too excited. This is a chance for me to
get off the ship, relax, unwind and finally buy myself a new
truck."
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.
This ends the fourth deployment in four years for Ronald Reagan.
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. [ANN Salutes Mass Communication Specialist 1st
Class (SW/AW) Frank E. Neely, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - Ronald
Reagan Strike Group Public Affairs]