The 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.