122-598: 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 Ronald Reagan , President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. She was built at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia , and was commissioned on 12 July 2003. Ronald Reagan made five deployments to
244-548: A C-2A Greyhound cargo plane of VRC-30 with 11 crew and passengers aboard crashed into the Philippine Sea 145 km northwest of Okinotorishima while flying from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni to the carrier. It was the first C-2 loss since 2005, and the first fatal crash since 1973. Eight of the 11 were rescued. Ronald Reagan returned to Yokosuka on 4 December. In 17 May Ronald Reagan conducted sea trials and on 28 May 2018 she departed on her regular patrol of
366-470: A brief port visit on the week of 11 August; between those two points the ship had transited the South China Sea in order to send a message to Beijing that the seas must be free and open. Admiral Karl O. Thomas used " Freedom of Navigation Operations " to stress that point when his weaker allies could not. The ship also participated in several exercises at sea with partner nations, most recently with
488-654: A decade that three US carrier strike groups had operated together in Asia. They were also joined by the Japanese helicopter destroyer Ise and the guided missile destroyers Inazuma and Makinami . After working with the Japanese warships the carrier groups conducted drills with seven South Korean vessels, including two Aegis-equipped destroyers . The drills were timed to coincide with the Asian tour of US President Donald Trump amid tensions with North Korea. On 22 November,
610-462: A five-month deployment. In early 2010, Ronald Reagan was awarded the 2009 Chief of Naval Operations Afloat Safety "S" Award, and the 2009 Pacific Fleet Battle "E" for combat efficiency. The Battle "E" award was Ronald Reagan ' s second consecutive and third Battle E in four years. On 19 May 2010, Norfolk Naval Shipyard completed the six-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) maintenance cycle on Ronald Reagan . This PIA project
732-561: A full evaluation of the arresting gear, steam catapults, and flight-deck personnel. Ronald Reagan ' s air department was assessed on the ability to maintain a fully operational flight deck and respond to simulated mishaps. During the summer of 2010, Ronald Reagan participated in Exercise RIMPAC , departed from Naval Air Station North Island, California, for a Board of Inspection and Survey assessment on 25 August 2010, and departed her homeport to conduct routine operations off
854-675: A full-load displacement of 87,000 long tons (88,000 t; 97,000 short tons) and a draft of 37 ft (11 m), but the ships would be delivered several thousand tons heavier, particularly for later members of the class. As the vessels were overhauled and installed more equipment, loaded displacement would climb to exceed 100,000 long tons (100,000 t; 110,000 short tons). For example, USS Abraham Lincoln currently displaces 104,112 long tons (105,783 t; 116,605 short tons) at full load. The ships' nominal complement comprises: 3,000–3,200; 1,500 (air wing); and 500 (other). The Nimitz -class aircraft carriers were ordered to supplement
976-618: A living former president. Unlike most of the men honored by inclusion in this group, Reagan was not associated with the United States Navy, apart from his term as Commander-in-Chief , although one of his key initiatives in office was the 600-ship Navy program. The Ronald Reagan ' s seal was designed entirely by her plankowner crew with historical assistance from staff members at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library . The seal's red border
1098-464: A much wider variety of aircraft than with the STOVL arrangement used on smaller carriers. An embarked carrier air wing comprising around 64 aircraft is normally deployed on board. The air wings' strike fighters are primarily F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornets . In addition to their aircraft, the vessels carry short-range defensive weaponry for anti-aircraft warfare and missile defense. The unit cost
1220-508: A new non-slip material fitted on new-build ships to improve safety for crew members and aircraft. The last carrier of the class, George H.W. Bush , was designed as a "transition ship" from the Nimitz class to the replacement Gerald R. Ford class . George H.W. Bush incorporates new technologies, including improved propeller and bulbous bow designs, a reduced radar cross-section , and electronic and environmental upgrades. The ship's cost
1342-574: A port call at Guam and participating in Invincible Spirit, a joint exercise with South Korean forces in the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea . Ronald Reagan returned to Yokosuka on 21 November. From 10 January, the ship began a period of Selected Restricted Availability with a focus on upgrading parts of the ship including the flight deck, hangar bays, and general living spaces. On 19 April
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#17327719104791464-624: A port visit to Brisbane before returning to Japan on 9 August. On 8 September she departed Yokosuka again to conduct patrols off Korea after the North Korean missile launch over Japan and nuclear test . On 2 October the ship visited Hong Kong . She then participated in drills with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force off Okinawa. After that, Ronald Reagan participated in drills off the Korean peninsula with
1586-413: A redesigned ship island. Ronald 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, along with Nancy Reagan, who gave
1708-610: A result of nuclear power, the ships are capable of operating continuously for over 20 years without refueling and are predicted to have a service life of over 50 years. In addition to the aircraft carried on board, the ships carry defensive equipment for use against missiles and hostile aircraft. These consist of either two or three RIM-7 Sea Sparrow or RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile Mk 29 missile launchers designed for defense against aircraft and anti-ship missiles , as well as either three or four 20 mm Phalanx CIWS . USS Ronald Reagan has none of these, having been built with
1830-400: A result, the ships and their aircraft can participate in a wide range of operations, including sea and air blockades; mine laying; and missile strikes on land, air, and sea. Because of a design flaw, ships of this class have inherent lists to starboard when under combat loads that exceed the capability of their list control systems. The problem appears to be especially prevalent on some of
1952-514: A scheduled Drydocking at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard . On 25 June 2023, Ronald Reagan and two escort cruisers, Antietam and Robert Smalls , made a port call in Tien Sa port in Da Nang, Vietnam and remained until 30 June. This is the third visit a US carrier has made to Vietnam since 2018, with another visit occurring in 2020. In May 2024, the ship left Yokosuka for her final patrol as
2074-548: A scheduled port visit on 23 September 2022. This was the first time in four years that a US Navy aircraft carrier had visited South Korea. In April 2023 the Commander, Naval Air Forces announced that USS George Washington would again be homeported at Fleet Activities Yokosuka in Japan and would relieve Ronald Reagan beginning in 2024. Ronald Reagan will depart Yokosuka and relocate to Bremerton, Washington, to conduct
2196-461: A service life of over 50 years. They are categorized as nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and are numbered with consecutive hull numbers from CVN-68 to CVN-77. All ten carriers were constructed by Newport News Shipbuilding Company in Virginia . USS Nimitz , the lead ship of the class, was commissioned on 3 May 1975, and USS George H.W. Bush , the tenth and last of the class,
2318-532: A short patrol in the Pacific, George Washington docked in Naval Base San Diego alongside Ronald Reagan . A hull swap occurred over ten days, in which the crews assigned to each carrier switched ships. This was done to minimize the number of sailors who would need to move between San Diego to Japan due to the change in homeports of the two carriers. Ronald Reagan effectively took her new place as
2440-492: A single visit to a country, in which senior naval officers are allowed to observe the operation of the carrier and interact with its senior officers, or as part of an international task force. This can be in combat operations, such as the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999, or training deployments, such as Exercise RIMPAC . In addition, carriers have participated in international Maritime security operations , combating piracy in
2562-660: A study to determine if the Nimitz -class carrier lives could be extended to as long as 55 years. Governor of California The governor of California is the head of government of the U.S. state of California . The governor is the commander-in-chief of the California National Guard and the California State Guard . Established in the Constitution of California , the governor's responsibilities also include submitting
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#17327719104792684-786: A target. As a result of its target value and vulnerability, aircraft carriers are always escorted by at least one submarine for protection. The other vessels in the Strike Group provide additional capabilities, such as long-range Tomahawk missiles or the Aegis Combat System , and protect the carrier from attack. A typical Strike Group may include, in addition to an aircraft carrier: up to six surface combatants , including guided-missile cruisers and guided-missile destroyers , used primarily for anti-aircraft warfare and anti-submarine warfare, and frigates / guided-missile frigates , prior to their retirement from USN service. When
2806-426: Is a similar procedure, although it is less substantial and does not involve refueling the nuclear power plants. Because of their status as the largest warships in the U.S. Navy, the deployment of an aircraft carrier can fulfill a symbolic role, not just as a deterrent to an enemy but often as a diplomatic tool in strengthening relations with allies and potential allies. The latter of these functions can occur either as
2928-698: Is also the president of the California State Senate. The official residence of the California governor is the California Governor's Mansion , in Sacramento. The mansion has served as the residence of 14 governors, while others have declined to reside in the mansion, preferring to arrange for private residential arrangements. It is also one of the official workplaces for the governor. The governor's primary official workplace
3050-460: Is angled at nine degrees, which allows for aircraft to be launched and recovered simultaneously. This angle of the flight deck was reduced slightly compared to previous carriers, as the current design improves the airflow around the carrier. Four steam catapults are used to launch fixed-wing aircraft, and four arrestor wires are used for recovery. The two newest carriers, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush , have only three arrestor wires each, as
3172-524: Is estimated to cost from $ 750 to $ 900 million. This compares with an estimated $ 53 million for a conventionally powered carrier. Most of the difference in cost is attributed to the deactivation of the nuclear power plants and the safe removal of radioactive material and other contaminated equipment. A new class of carriers, the Gerald R. Ford class, is being constructed to replace previous vessels after decommissioning. Ten of these are expected, and
3294-452: Is separately elected during the same election, not jointly as the running mate of the gubernatorial candidate. As such, California had governors and lieutenant governors of different parties for nearly 27 of the 33 years between 1978 and 2011, whereas previously, this had only occurred in 1875, 1887, 1895 and 1916–1917 due to the resignation or death of an incumbent governor or lieutenant governor. This occasionally becomes significant, since
3416-524: Is similar to the distinctive red rim on the White House china designed for the Reagans during their White House years. Four gold stars represent Reagan as 40th US President and his four pillars of freedom: individual liberty, economic opportunity, global democracy, and national pride. "Peace through Strength" was a recurring theme of Reagan's life in public service. The aircraft carrier is positioned on
3538-565: The Gulf of Sidra , near Libya . During this exercise, two of the ship's F-14 Tomcats shot down two Libyan aircraft in what became known as the Gulf of Sidra incident . In 1987, Carl Vinson participated in the first U.S. carrier deployment in the Bering Sea , and Nimitz provided security during the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul . The two most significant deployments the Nimitz class
3660-605: The Japan Air Self-Defense Force . In November destroyers assigned to Ronald Reagan conducted exercises with the Indian Navy after which the Indian Navy ships joined by a Japan Self-Defense Forces destroyer conducted more exercises with Ronald Reagan . Later in November the vessel conducted drills with two other US aircraft carriers, Nimitz and Theodore Roosevelt . It was the first time in
3782-518: The Kitty Hawk class. Among other design improvements, the two reactors on Nimitz -class carriers take up less space than the eight reactors used on Enterprise . Along with a more generally improved design, Nimitz -class carriers can carry 90% more aviation fuel and 50% more ordnance when compared to the Forrestal class. The U.S. Navy has stated that the carriers could withstand three times
USS Ronald Reagan - Misplaced Pages Continue
3904-631: The Malabar 2018 exercise with Japan and India near Guam. Ronald Reagan returned to Yokosuka on 24 July. On 27 July along with other vessels she left port again to avoid Typhoon Jongdari , returning on 30 July. She left port again ahead of a typhoon on 7 August. On 31 August 2018, the carrier conducted training with the Izumo -class helicopter destroyer Kaga , of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. On 21 November 2018,
4026-402: The Nimitz class is made up only of short-range defensive weapons, used as a last line of defense against enemy missiles and aircraft. As with all surface ships, an aircraft carrier is particularly vulnerable to attack from below, specifically from submarines. An aircraft carrier is a very expensive, hard to replace, and strategically valuable asset, and therefore it logically has immense value as
4148-755: The Persian Gulf in 1995. Theodore Roosevelt flew patrols in support of the Kurds over northern Iraq as part of Operation Provide Comfort in 1991. In 1996, George Washington played a peacekeeping role in Operation Decisive Endeavor in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 1999, Theodore Roosevelt was called to the Ionian Sea to support Operation Allied Force alongside other NATO militaries. Harry S. Truman ' s maiden deployment
4270-559: The Persian Gulf . On 28 January 2006, an F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter attempting landing aboard Ronald Reagan crashed into the ship's flight deck while the ship was about 200 km (120 mi) southeast of Brisbane , Queensland . The aircraft struck the ramp, missed the third cable, and skidded overboard. The pilot ejected safely, but the aircraft was lost. While in Brisbane, the carrier's main condensers became clogged with 1,900 pounds (860 kg) of jellyfish , causing problems in
4392-838: The SH-60F Seahawk , and VRC-30 flying the C-2A Greyhound . The ship visited Rio de Janeiro, Brazil , on 5 June 2004. During the first evening after arrival, the ship's namesake, former President Reagan, died. A ceremony in his honor was held onboard later that evening, after the US national anthem was publicly played. Upon leaving Rio, Ronald Reagan transited the Strait of Magellan on 20–21 June and subsequently visited Valparaíso, Chile , and Callao, Peru , before arriving in San Diego on 23 July 2004. From 1 October 2004, Ronald Reagan
4514-624: The South China Sea along with USS Nimitz . On 26 June 2021, Ronald Reagan was deployed to the Middle East to help with the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan . In late May 2022, Ronald Reagan was relieved by USS Abraham Lincoln at Sasebo, Japan . Ronald Reagan led Carrier Strike Group 5 into the Philippine Sea . Ronald Reagan departed Singapore 's Changi Naval Base on 23 July to transit
4636-442: The South China Sea . President Joe Biden exchanged words with Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping over Nancy Pelosi 's visit to Taiwan , which was only a possibility at that point. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian that his bosses were getting "seriously prepared". On 4 August 2022, United States National Security Council spokesman John Kirby announced that Ronald Reagan had been ordered to remain in
4758-591: The South Korean Navy . After the drills, she made a port visit at Busan in South Korea. On 29 October, Ronald Reagan scrambled an undisclosed number of Super Hornets to intercept two Russian Tu-95MS bombers that were heading towards the carrier on a Tokyo Express flight near Japan. The Russian bombers were accompanied by their own Su-35S escort fighters. During their flights the bombers were also intercepted by F-2 , F-4 and F-15 fighters of
4880-647: The Strait of Magellan to her new homeport, Naval Air Station North Island , San Diego, with Captain James A. Symonds in command. Carrier Air Wing Eleven , normally assigned to USS Nimitz , embarked 25% of its total strength for the transit. The squadrons making the transit were VFA-14 and VFA-41 flying the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet , VAW-117 flying the E-2C Hawkeye 2000, HS-6 flying
5002-560: The Type 53 that do not respond to acoustic decoys. The pieces of the SSTDS were engineered to locate and destroy incoming torpedoes in a matter of seconds; each system included one TWS and 8 CATs. Initial operational capability (IOC) was planned for 2019, and all aircraft carriers were to be outfitted by 2035. The Navy suspended work on the project in September 2018 due to poor reliability of
USS Ronald Reagan - Misplaced Pages Continue
5124-574: The U.S. Marine Corps (VMFA), also as strike fighters; 4–6 EA-18G Growlers for electronic warfare; 4–6 E-2C or D Hawkeyes for airborne early warning (AEW), C-2 Greyhounds used for logistics (to be replaced by MV-22 Ospreys ); and a Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron of 6–8 SH-60F and HH-60H Seahawks . Aircraft previously operated from Nimitz -class carriers include F-4 Phantoms , RA-5C Vigilantes , RF-8G Crusaders , F-14 Tomcats , S-3 Vikings , EA-3B Skywarriors , EA-6B Prowlers , A-7 Corsair II , and A-6E Intruder aircraft. The flight deck
5246-617: The Vietnam War , and certain aspects of the design were influenced by operations there. To a certain extent, the carrier operations in Vietnam demonstrated the need for increased capabilities of aircraft carriers over their survivability; they were used to send sorties into the war and were, therefore, less subject to attack. As a result of this experience, Nimitz -class carriers were designed with larger stores of aviation fuel and larger magazines compared to previous carriers, although this
5368-825: The West Coast of the United States . All active ships have been involved in Iraq and Afghanistan since that time. This included the invasion in 2003, as well as providing subsequent support for Operation Iraqi Freedom since then. The carriers have also provided aid after natural disasters. In 2005, Abraham Lincoln supported Operation Unified Assistance in Indonesia after the December 2004 tsunami , and Harry S. Truman provided aid after Hurricane Katrina later in 2005. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group performed humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in
5490-975: The 1990s and more recently, Nimitz -class carriers have been deployed as part of humanitarian missions. While deployed in the Gulf War, Abraham Lincoln was diverted to the Pacific Ocean to participate alongside 22 other ships in Operation Fiery Vigil , evacuating civilians following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo on Luzon Island in the Philippines. In October 1993, Abraham Lincoln deployed to Somalia to assist UN humanitarian operations there, spending four weeks flying patrols around Mogadishu while supporting U.S. troops during Operation Restore Hope . The same ship also participated in Operation Vigilant Sentinel in
5612-409: The 2008 RIMPAC exercises and delayed the final withdrawal from service of USS Kitty Hawk . The fire was caused by unauthorized smoking near improperly stored flammable refrigerant compressor oil. Nimitz -class carriers were initially designed to have a 50-year service life. At the end of their service life, ships will be decommissioned . This process will first take place on Nimitz and
5734-508: The California Constitution provides that all the powers of the governor fall to the lieutenant governor whenever the governor is not in the state of California, with the lieutenant governor sometimes signing or vetoing legislation or making political appointments whenever the governor leaves the state. In practice, there is a gentlemen's agreement for the lieutenant governor not to perform more than perfunctory duties while
5856-693: The Grammy award-winning rock band Creed . Over 1500 members of the ship's crew crowded the flight deck to watch the band perform. Ronald Reagan received word in February 2009 that the ship had won her second Battle Efficiency Award . On 28 May 2009, Ronald Reagan deployed with Carrier Air Wing 14 to the 7th and 5th Fleet Areas of Responsibility. Ronald Reagan relieved the Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG and launched her first sorties in support of OEF on 6 July. Ronald Reagan returned to homeport on 21 October after
5978-494: The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The coronavirus pandemic was reported to have spread to Ronald Reagan when the first two cases were reported on 27 March 2020. The positive cases forced the closure of the naval base outside Tokyo where the carrier is based, with all personnel on base told to stay indoors for 48 hours. On 5 July 2020, the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group was deployed to
6100-789: The Mk 49 Guided Missile Launching Systems for RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles , two of which have also been installed on USS Nimitz and USS George Washington . These will be installed on the other ships as they return for Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH). Since USS Theodore Roosevelt , the carriers have been constructed with 2.5 in (64 mm) Kevlar armor over vital spaces, and earlier ships have been retrofitted with it: Nimitz in 1983–1984, Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1985 to 1987 and Carl Vinson in 1989. The ships' other countermeasures are four Sippican SRBOC (super rapid bloom off-board chaff ) six-barrel Mk 36 decoy launchers, which deploy infrared flares and chaff to disrupt
6222-600: The Navy announced that the aircraft carrier would be transferred to the Puget Sound Naval Ship Yard in Bremerton, Washington, for scheduled repair and maintenance beginning January 2012. On 10 January 2012, Ronald Reagan ' s official homeport was changed to Bremerton, Washington for a little over a year until returning to her homeport of San Diego on 21 March 2013. For the sailors being relocated,
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#17327719104796344-487: The Navy commissions a new class of frigates (FFG(X)) , they will again accompany CSGs. Also making up part of the group is one or two attack submarines for seeking out and destroying hostile surface ships and submarines and an ammunition, oiler, and supply ship from Military Sealift Command to provide logistical support. The numbers and types of vessels that make up each strike group can vary from group to group, depending on deployments, mission, and availability. While
6466-538: The Navy transported many privately-owned vehicles on the deck of the ship as a cost-saving measure. On 14 January 2014, the Navy announced that Ronald Reagan would replace her sister ship George Washington as the Seventh Fleet forward deployed carrier at Yokosuka, Japan in 2015. In 2015 Ronald Reagan replaced George Washington as the US Navy's only forward deployed aircraft carrier. In August, after
6588-496: The Pacific and Middle East between 2006 and 2011 while based at Naval Air Station North Island . In October 2015, Ronald Reagan replaced USS George Washington as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5 , the only forward-based carrier strike group homeported at Yokosuka, Japan , as part of the United States Seventh Fleet . Since 2016, Ronald Reagan has embarked on short annual summer patrols of
6710-414: The Pacific. Her departure was several weeks late. The delay was caused by a "material issue" that required repairs to issues found during the sea trials. Field Carrier Landing Practice for aircrew on Iwo Jima were also delayed. After patrolling through the disputed South China Sea, the ship visited the Philippines for the first time, and stayed for four days. From 7 to 16 June the carrier participated in
6832-657: The Persian Gulf and off the coast of Somalia. On 26 May 1981, an EA-6B Prowler crashed on the flight deck of Nimitz , killing 14 crewmen and injuring 45 others. Forensic testing of the personnel involved showed that several tested positive for marijuana. While this was not found to have directly caused the crash, the investigation's findings prompted the introduction of mandatory drug testing of all service personnel. Pilots have been able to eject safely in several cases of ditched aircraft. However, fatal aircraft crashes have occurred; in 1994, Lieutenant Kara Hultgreen ,
6954-619: The Persian Gulf intending to support Operation Southern Watch in July 2001. This changed in response to the attacks, and the ship changed course to travel towards the North Arabian Sea, where she launched the first airstrikes in support of the operation on 7 October 2001. Following the attacks, John C. Stennis and George Washington participated in Operation Noble Eagle , carrying out homeland security operations off
7076-421: The Philippines in June 2008 after Typhoon Fengshen , which killed hundreds from the central island regions and the main island of Luzon . In January 2010, Carl Vinson operated off Haiti , providing aid and drinking water to earthquake survivors as part of the U.S.-led Operation Unified Response , alongside other major warships and hospital ship Comfort . In order to refuel their nuclear power plants,
7198-504: The South China Sea before an international tribunal released its decision regarding a China and Philippines conflict. The ship returned after a 53-day cruise for a mid-cruise break and conducted Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) inspections designed to ensure the ship would last her full 50-year lifespan. She temporarily left port due to Typhoon Lionrock . After completing INSURV, she returned to sea on 3 September. The ship then participated in Exercise Valiant Shield 2016 before making
7320-429: The U.S. government. As a result, the presence of a U.S. aircraft carrier in a foreign port has occasionally provoked protest from local people, for example, when Nimitz visited Chennai , India, in 2007. At that time, the Strike Group commander Rear Admiral John Terence Blake stated, "The U.S. policy [...] is that we do not routinely deploy nuclear weapons on board Nimitz ." In May 2013, George H.W. Bush conducted
7442-490: The US Navy's only forward deployed carrier in advance of her homeport change to Naval Base Kitsap . This is concurrent with USS George Washington ' s homeport shift to Yokosuka. Nimitz-class aircraft carrier The Nimitz class is a class of ten nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in service with the United States Navy . The lead ship of the class is named after World War II United States Pacific Fleet commander Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz , who
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#17327719104797564-443: The United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California, that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter. Governors take office on
7686-430: The West Coast , representing Reagan's two terms as governor of California and the ship's Pacific Fleet homeport. The three aircraft's patriotic contrails symbolize the three major military operations during Reagan's presidency: Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada/1983), Operation El Dorado Canyon (Libya/1986), and Operation Praying Mantis (Iran/1988). The view of the globe signifies Reagan's vision of global democracy, and
7808-418: The Western Pacific in the United States Seventh Fleet area of operation. The contract to build Ronald Reagan was awarded to Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding 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 was increased several times and ultimately $ 4.5 billion was spent on her construction, including
7930-441: The air boss from Primary Flight Control or Pri-Fly. Four large elevators transport aircraft between the flight deck and the hangars below. These hangars are divided into three bays by thick steel doors that are designed to restrict the spread of fire. When an aircraft carrier deploys, it takes a Carrier Strike Group (CSG), made up of several other warships and supply vessels that allow the operation to be carried out. The armament of
8052-400: The aircraft carriers of the Kitty Hawk and Enterprise classes , maintaining the strength and capability of the U.S. Navy after the older carriers were decommissioned. The ships were designed to be improvements on previous U.S. aircraft carriers , particularly the Enterprise and Forrestal -class supercarriers, although the arrangement of the vessels is relatively similar to that of
8174-436: The aircrew, the air wings are also made up of support personnel involved in roles including maintenance, aircraft and ordnance handling, and emergency procedures. Each person on the flight deck wears color-coded clothing to make their role easily identifiable. A typical carrier air wing can include 24–36 F/A-18E or F Super Hornets as strike fighters; two squadrons of 10–12 F/A-18C Hornets , with one of these often provided by
8296-467: The ballot in California. The 2003 recall election began with a petition drive that forced Democratic governor Gray Davis into a recall election, which he lost. He was replaced by Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger . It was the first time that a California governor was voted out of office. In addition to the successful 2003 recall, current governor Gavin Newsom faced a recall election in 2021 , which he defeated. The lieutenant governor of California
8418-406: The budget, ensuring that state laws are enforced, and making the annual State of the State address to the California State Legislature . The position was created in 1849, the year before California became a state. The current governor of California is Democrat Gavin Newsom , who was inaugurated on January 7, 2019. A candidate for governor must be a U.S. citizen and a registered voter within
8540-427: The carrier. Ronald Reagan returned to Naval Air Station North Island on 20 April 2007, following a three-month deployment in support of operations in the Western Pacific. On 15 December 2007, the carrier answered a distress call from a cruise ship off the coast of Baja California . An SH-60 helicopter airlifted an Illinois teenager whose appendix had ruptured while on a Mexican cruise to Ronald Reagan , where
8662-454: The carriers each undergo a Refueling and Overhaul (RCOH) once in their service lives. This is also the most substantial overhaul the ships undergo while in service and involves bringing the vessels' equipment up to the standards of the newest ships. The ship is placed in a dry dock, and essential maintenance is carried out, including painting the hull below the waterline and replacing electrical and mechanical components such as valves. Because of
8784-419: The carriers use two A4W pressurized water reactors . The reactors produce steam to drive steam turbines which drive four propeller shafts and can produce a maximum speed of over 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph) and a maximum power of around 260,000 shaft horsepower (190 MW). As a result of nuclear power, the ships are capable of operating for over 20 years without refueling and are predicted to have
8906-543: The center is the United States, representing the country's national pride. Red, white, and blue dominate the seal, reflecting the American flag. On 8 May 2004, following a five-month post-shakedown availability, Ronald Reagan received her second flight deck certification covering all flight operations, including aircraft launch and recovery, safety, crash and salvage, fuel certifications, and training. Ronald Reagan then transited from Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, through
9028-451: The class are powered by two A4W nuclear reactors , housed in separate compartments. The reactors produce heat through nuclear fission , which heats water to produce steam. This is then passed through four turbines, which are shared by the two reactors. A gearbox transmits power to four propeller shafts, producing a maximum speed of over 30 knots (56 km/h) and maximum power of 260,000 brake horsepower (194 MW). The turbines power
9150-399: The coast of southern California in preparation for her 2011 Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment. In November 2010, the ship provided emergency supplies and assistance to passengers stranded in the Pacific Ocean aboard the cruise ship Carnival Splendor , which had lost power due to an engine fire. The ship departed for an Asian deployment on 2 February 2011. On 11 March 2011, Ronald Reagan
9272-470: The components; hardware, already installed on five carriers, is to be removed by 2023. In order for a carrier to deploy, it must embark one of ten Carrier Air Wings (CVW). The carriers can accommodate a maximum of 130 F/A-18 Hornets or 85–90 aircraft of different types, but current numbers are typically 64 aircraft. Although the air wings are integrated with the operation of the carriers they are deployed to, they are regarded as separate entities. As well as
9394-455: The damage sustained by the Essex class inflicted by Japanese air attacks during World War II . The hangars on the ships are divided into three fire bays by thick steel doors that are designed to restrict the spread of fire. This addition has been present on U.S. aircraft carriers since World War II, after the fires caused by kamikaze attacks. The first ships were designed around the time of
9516-407: The designs of the last seven ships, beginning with Theodore Roosevelt , differ slightly from those of the earlier ships, the U.S. Navy considers all ten carriers a single class. When the older carriers come in for Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH), their nuclear power plants are refueled, and they are upgraded to the standards of the later carriers. Other modifications may be performed to update
9638-436: The dry dock using gantry cranes and welded. In the case of the bow sections, these can weigh over 1,500,000 pounds (680 t). This method was originally developed by Ingalls Shipbuilding and increases the rate of work because much of the fitting out does not have to be carried out within the confines of the already-finished hull. The total cost of construction for each ship was around $ 4.5 billion. All ships of
9760-400: The entire strike group the Navy's Humanitarian Service Medal . The CSG arrived in the U.S. Fifth Fleet area on 28 August 2008, where she launched more than 1,150 sorties into Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Ronald Reagan returned to San Diego on 25 November 2008. On 25 September 2008, Ronald Reagan , while underway in the Gulf of Oman , played host to
9882-522: The first Monday after January 1 after their election. Two methods exist to remove a governor. The governor can be impeached for "misconduct in office" by the State Assembly and removed by a two-thirds vote of the State Senate . Petitions signed by California state voters equal to 12% of the last vote for the office of governor (with signatures from each of five counties equal to 1% of
10004-622: The first carrier-borne end-to-end at-sea test of the Surface Ship Torpedo Defense System (SSTDS). The SSTDS combined the passive detection of the Torpedo Warning System (TWS) that finds, classifies, and tracks torpedoes with the hard-kill capability of a Countermeasure Anti-Torpedo (CAT), an encapsulated miniature torpedo designed to locate, home in on, and destroy hostile torpedoes. This was to increase protection against wake-homing torpedoes like
10126-574: The first female F-14 Tomcat pilot, was killed while attempting to land on board Abraham Lincoln during a training exercise. Fires have also caused damage to the ships; in May 2008, while rotating through to her new homeport at Yokosuka Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan , George Washington suffered a fire that cost $ 70 million in repairs, injured 37 sailors and led to the ship undergoing three months of repairs at San Diego; this led to its having to miss
10248-412: The first has entered service as of 22 July 2017 to replace Enterprise . Most of the rest of these new carriers are to replace the oldest Nimitz ships as they reach the end of their service lives. The new carriers will have a similar design to George H.W. Bush (using an almost identical hull shape) and technological and structural improvements. The Navy reported in early 2022 that it was conducting
10370-475: The flag that draped the former president's casket. This particular flag had flown over Capitol Hill on 20 January 1981 for Reagan's first inauguration. At a later date, Captain Symonds also presented Mrs. Reagan the flag that had been flying over Ronald Reagan when the former president died. Ronald Reagan is the first aircraft carrier and first nuclear-powered warship of any type to be named in honor of
10492-687: The flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5 and Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) . On 1 October 2015, she arrived in her newest homeport, Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture . CVW-5 was based at Naval Air Facility Atsugi , which is also located in Kanagawa Prefecture. The ship was open for the public to tour on 12 October. Ronald Reagan departed for her annual patrol of the Western Pacific on 15 October. On 29 October two Russian Tupolev Tu-142 bombers flew within one mile of
10614-446: The four bronze propellers, each with a diameter of 25 feet (7.6 m) and a weight of 66,000 pounds (30 t). Behind these are the two rudders, which are 29 feet (8.8 m) high and 22 feet (6.7 m) long, and each weighs 110,000 pounds (50 metric tons). The Nimitz -class ships constructed since USS Ronald Reagan also have bulbous bows to improve speed and fuel efficiency by reducing wave-making resistance . As
10736-401: The fourth was used infrequently on earlier ships and was therefore deemed unnecessary. This CATOBAR arrangement allows for faster launching and recovery as well as a much wider range of aircraft that can be used on board compared with smaller aircraft carriers, most of which use a simpler STOVL arrangement without catapults or arrestor wires. The ship's aircraft operations are controlled by
10858-453: The governor is away from the state: this agreement was violated when Mike Curb was in office, as he signed several executive orders at odds with the Brown administration when Brown was out of the state. Court rulings have upheld the lieutenant governor's right to perform the duties and assume all of the prerogatives of governor while the governor is out of the state. The lieutenant governor
10980-471: The island superstructure and flight deck, to remove any potential radiation hazards. On 4 April 2011, Japan's minister of defense, Toshimi Kitazawa , accompanied by US ambassador to Japan John Roos , visited the ship to thank the crew for their assistance as part of Operation Tomodachi. Said Kitazawa, "I have never been more encouraged by and proud of the fact that the United States is our ally." The ship returned to San Diego on 8 September 2011. In January 2011,
11102-593: The large time periods between the ships' constructions, the armament and designs of the newer ships are more modern than those of the older ships. In RCOH, the older ships are refitted to the standards of the newer ships, which can include upgrades to the flight deck, aircraft catapults, combat systems, and radar systems; precise details can vary significantly between the ships. The improvements normally take around four years to complete. The RCOH for USS Theodore Roosevelt took four years to complete (2009–2013) and cost about $ 2.6 billion. Planned Incremental Availability
11224-474: The last vote for governor in the county) can launch a gubernatorial recall election . The voters can then vote on whether or not to recall the incumbent governor, and on the same ballot can vote for a potential replacement. If a majority of the voters in the election vote to recall the governor, then the person who gains a plurality of the votes in the replacement race will become governor. Only two governor recall attempts have ever gained enough signatures to make
11346-876: The main island of Luzon . The typhoon also capsized the passenger ferry MV Princess of the Stars . Working in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Ronald Reagan and her escorts of CSG 7 focused their efforts on the island of Panay in the Central Visayas . For eight days, SH-60 Seahawk helicopters and C-2A Greyhound aircraft of the Ronald Reagan CSG helped deliver more than 519,000 lb (235,000 kg) of rice, fresh water, and other supplies to areas of Panay, which were not reachable by truck due to flooded roads. The mission in Panay earned
11468-601: The main machinery rooms and hindering cooling of the main reactors. The ship entered the Persian Gulf on 22 February 2006, and returned from deployment on 6 July 2006. Ronald Reagan and her Carrier Strike Group (CSG) departed North Island, Coronado in San ;Diego on 27 January 2007 on an unscheduled surge deployment to the Western Pacific, in place of the forward deployed carrier Kitty Hawk while she underwent maintenance in Japan. On 20 April 2007, Ronald Reagan and her CSG returned to Coronado. The "surge deployment"
11590-522: The more modern vessels. This problem has been previously rectified by using damage control voids for ballast, but a solution using solid ballast that does not affect the ship's survivability has been proposed. All ten Nimitz -class carriers were constructed between 1968 and 2006 at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia. The first three units of the class were erected in Dry Dock 11,
11712-596: The official end to the ship's six-month PIA maintenance period. On 2 June 2010, Ronald Reagan , with Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) embarked, departed Naval Air Station North Island to conduct flight deck certifications. Embarked squadrons included: Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 4 (HS-4) , Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 (VMFA-323) , Strike Fighter Squadron 154 (VFA-154) , Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147) , Strike Fighter Squadron 146 (VFA-146) , Airborne Early Warning Squadron 113 (VAW-113) and Fleet Logistics Squadron 30 (VRC-30) . The certification included
11834-443: The other seven ships were constructed in the largest dry dock in the western hemisphere, Dry Dock 12, now 2,172 feet (662 m) long after a recent expansion. Beginning with USS Theodore Roosevelt , the aircraft carriers were manufactured with modular construction. This means that whole sections could be welded together with plumbing and electrical equipment already fitted, improving efficiency. The modules were lifted into
11956-515: The project on a daily basis. This included rough 625 NNSY personnel, 165 PSNS employees, and 600 from SWRMC/NGSB. On 18 May 2010, Ronald Reagan departed Naval Air Station North Island for sea trials. This was the final phase of the PIA, and was conducted to assess the carrier ' s material readiness to return to the operational fleet. Ronald Reagan pulled into Naval Air Station North Island on 19 May 2010 after completing her two-day sea trial, marking
12078-508: The sensors of incoming missiles; an SSTDS torpedo defense system; and an AN/SLQ-25 Nixie torpedo countermeasures system. The carriers also use AN/SLQ-32(V) jamming systems to detect and disrupt hostile radar signals in addition to the electronic warfare capabilities of some of the aircraft on board. The presence of nuclear weapons on board U.S. aircraft carriers since the end of the Cold War has neither been confirmed nor denied by
12200-531: The ship at low altitude. Four F/A-18 Super Hornets were scrambled in response. The ship conducted fleet exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Navy . During a fleet review with the JMSDF, the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe visited the ship. The ship returned to Yokosuka on 3 December. On 4 June 2016, Ronald Reagan departed Yokosuka and was deployed with CSG 5 to
12322-690: The ship measured 0.6 mR/hr direct gamma shine from clouds 130 miles (≈210 km) from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant . Members of the crew later blamed their cancers on the event. On 14 March 2011, the ship was forced to relocate to avoid a radioactive plume from the Fukushima I nuclear accidents which had contaminated 17 crew members of three helicopter crews. On 23 March, Ronald Reagan ' s crew performed radiation decontamination by scrubbing down any surface that could have been contaminated, including
12444-471: The ship visited Hong Kong. The ship backfitted the existing AN/SPS-48E three-dimensional (3D), air search radar with the AN/SPS-48G. On 24 August 2019, Ronald Reagan returned to Yokosuka Naval Base, after a very short patrol of the western Pacific. The vessel made two stops over the deployment. First at Brisbane to join the 2019 Exercise Talisman Saber off Australia's east coast, then at Manila for
12566-644: The ship was visited by Vice President Mike Pence . On 7 May, the ship put to sea for sea trials before her annual patrol. After the short sea trials, Ronald Reagan returned to port, then left again on her annual cruise on 16 May to relieve her sister ship Carl Vinson , which had been deployed near North Korea in light of political tensions. She visited Singapore in June and then sailed to Australia where she participated in Exercise Talisman Saber with Australian and other forces in July. She then made
12688-561: 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. President Reagan, who did not attend either the launch or the commissioning due to his Alzheimer's disease , died 11 months later. At the end of the graveside services , the ship's commanding officer at that time, Captain James Symonds , at Mrs. Reagan's request presented her
12810-488: The ship's surgeon performed an emergency appendectomy. Ronald Reagan , with CVW-14 embarked, departed San Diego on 19 May 2008, for a scheduled 7th Fleet and 5th Fleet deployment. The Ronald Reagan CSG performed humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Philippines on 24 June 2008 after that country was devastated by Typhoon Fengshen , that killed hundreds from the central island regions and
12932-436: The ships' equipment. The ships were initially classified only as attack carriers but have been constructed with anti-submarine capabilities since Carl Vinson . These improvements include more advanced radar systems and facilities enabling the ships to operate aircraft in a more effective anti-submarine warfare role, including fitting common undersea picture (CUP) technology, which uses sonar to allow for better assessment of
13054-473: The state, must not have been convicted of a felony involving bribery, embezzlement, or extortion, and must not have served two terms since November 6, 1990. Governors are elected by popular ballot and serve terms of four years, with a limit of two terms, if served after November 6, 1990. Governors take the following oath: I (Governor) do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of
13176-504: The threat from submarines. Theodore Roosevelt and later carriers have slight structural differences from the earlier Nimitz carriers, such as improved protection for ordnance stored in their magazines . Other improvements include upgraded flight deck ballistic protection, first installed on George Washington , and the high-strength low-alloy steel (HSLA-100) used for constructing ships starting with John C. Stennis . More recently, older ships have had their flight decks upgraded with
13298-510: The vicinity of Taiwan in response to missile launches conducted by China , which in turn were a response to Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi 's visit to Taiwan . On 19 August 2022, Ronald Reagan returned to her home port of Yokosuka, Japan . On 12 September 2022, Ronald Reagan departed Yokosuka for the second leg of her regional patrol. Ronald Reagan arrived at Busan, South Korea for
13420-692: Was Operation Eagle Claw launched by Nimitz in 1980 after she had deployed to the Indian Ocean in response to the taking of hostages in the U.S. embassy in Tehran . Although initially part of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet , Dwight D. Eisenhower relieved Nimitz in this operation after her service in the Mediterranean Sea . Nimitz conducted a Freedom of Navigation exercise alongside the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal in August 1981 in
13542-403: Was $ 6.2 billion. The earlier Nimitz -class ships each cost around $ 4.5 billion. To lower costs, some new technologies and design features were also incorporated into USS Ronald Reagan , the previous carrier, including a redesigned island . The United States Navy lists the following ten ships in the Nimitz class: One of the first major operations in which the ships were involved
13664-475: Was about US$ 8.5 billion in FY 2012 dollars, equal to US$ 11.2 billion in 2023. The Nimitz -class aircraft carriers have a length of 1,092 ft (333 m) overall and 1,040 ft (317 m) at the waterline, with a beam of 252 ft (77 m) overall and 134 ft (41 m) at the waterline; the individual ships have slight variations in their dimensions. They were initially designed with
13786-539: Was an example of the 'One Shipyard' concept wherein the US Navy mobilizes its work force across its various shipyards to better meet fleet readiness requirements and to stabilize a vital workforce base for the US defense industry. While Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) was the project lead, significant work was done by its partners: Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS), Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SRMC), and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding (NGSB). During peak manning, about 1,400 worked
13908-732: Was assigned to Carrier Strike Group Fifteen . During an anti-submarine warfare exercise in 2005, HSwMS Gotland , on loan from the Swedish Navy , managed to score multiple simulated attacks on Ronald Reagan while undetected, showcasing that the submarine was in a position to sink the carrier. This prompted the U.S. Navy to extend their lease of the submarine following the exercise, for further study. Ronald Reagan , with Terry B. Kraft in command, departed San Diego on 4 January 2006 on her maiden deployment conducting naval operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom , as well as maritime security operations in
14030-632: Was commissioned on 10 January 2009. Since the 1970s, Nimitz -class carriers have participated in many conflicts and operations across the world, including Operation Eagle Claw in Iran, the Gulf War , and more recently in Iraq and Afghanistan . The angled flight decks of the carriers use a CATOBAR arrangement to operate aircraft, with steam catapults and arrestor wires for launch and recovery. As well as speeding up flight deck operations, this allows for
14152-660: Was in November 2000. The carrier's air wing flew 869 combat sorties in support of Operation Southern Watch, including a strike on Iraqi air defense sites on 16 February 2001, in response to Iraqi surface-to-air missile fire against United Nations coalition forces. After the September 11 attacks , Carl Vinson and Theodore Roosevelt were among the first warships to participate in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Carl Vinson sailed towards
14274-413: Was in the Korean peninsula region for a long-planned exercise off Korea , but was redirected towards Japan to provide support after the massive 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami . The ship, stationed off Sendai , served as a refueling station for Japanese coast guard and military helicopters on relief missions in the area. US Navy helicopters also flew relief missions from the carrier. On 13 March 2011,
14396-523: Was involved in during the 1990s were the Gulf War and its aftermath and Operation Southern Watch in southern Iraq. All active vessels were engaged in both of these to some extent, with Operation Southern Watch continuing until 2003. Most carriers in operation in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm played supporting roles, with only Theodore Roosevelt playing an active part in combat operations. Throughout
14518-473: Was part of the Navy's Fleet Response Plan, which provides the US with the ability to respond to any global commitment with flexible and sustainable forces and the ability to rapidly respond to a range of situations on short notice. In January 2007, Ronald Reagan earned the 2006 Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific Carrier Battle Efficiency "E" award for the West Coast, the first Battle "E" ever for
14640-650: Was partly a result of increased space available by the new design of the ships' propulsion systems. A major purpose of the carriers was initially to support the U.S. military during the Cold War . They were designed with capabilities for that role, including using nuclear power instead of oil for greater endurance and the ability to adjust their weapons systems on the basis of new intelligence and technological developments. They were initially categorized only as attack carriers, but ships have been constructed with anti-submarine capabilities since USS Carl Vinson . As
14762-422: Was the last living U.S. Navy officer to hold the rank. With an overall length of 1,092 ft (333 m) and a full-load displacement of over 100,000 long tons (100,000 t), the Nimitz -class ships were the largest warships built and in service until USS Gerald R. Ford entered the fleet in 2017. Instead of the gas turbines or diesel–electric systems used for propulsion on many modern warships,
14884-534: Was under budget, and marked both Norfolk Naval Shipyard's largest off-site availability, as well as the largest public-sector work package ever performed on an aircraft carrier berthed at Naval Air Station North Island , Coronado, California . During the maintenance period, Ronald Reagan received technological upgrades for her next deployment and subsequent operations. Refurbishments included high-tech combat systems and firefighting equipment, improved ship's laundry services and living spaces. This PIA maintenance project
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