USS RONALD REAGAN HOST COMMITTEE ANNOUNCE GALA EVENT

Navy League of The United States - Santa Barbara Chapter

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Operation Homefront

Ronald Reagan Strike Group Returns
From Surge Deployment

FOR RELEASE: 4/20/2007

From USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

USS RONALD REAGAN, Coronado, CA -- Thousands of family members and friends crowded the pier at Naval Air Station North Island April 20 to welcome home USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) following a three-month surge deployment in support of operations in the Western Pacific.

The more than 5,000 Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan , USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit 11, Det. 15, and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 that comprise the Ronald Reagan Strike Group deployed Jan. 27 under the Navy’s Fleet Response Plan (FRP), which provides the U.S. 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.

Ronald Reagan filled the important role of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), the Navy’s only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier, in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility (AOR) as it underwent scheduled maintenance in Yokosuka, Japan.

Rear Adm. Charles W. Martoglio, commander of the Ronald Reagan Strike Group said he was extremely pleased with the performance of the strike group.

“The Ronald Reagan Strike Group made a significant demonstration of America’s commitment to security and stability in the Western Pacific during our surge deployment,” said Martoglio.

“Our Sailors were the key to these presence operations. They demonstrated superb readiness, tactical proficiency and seamless integration across the spectrum of operations,” he added.

Capt. Terry B. Kraft, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer, added, “I couldn’t be more proud of the crew of Ronald Reagan. Their ability to respond on short notice was simply eye-watering. We accomplished every mission while in the 7th Fleet AOR and were good ambassadors at each and every port call. It was a very successful surge deployment.”

During their time in the 7th Fleet AOR, the Ronald Reagan Strike Group participated in joint exercises with the Republic of Korea (ROK) as well as the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF). The ship also hosted distinguished visitors from China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

The Ronald Reagan Strike Group also participated in Exercise Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration/Foal Eagle (RSOI/FE) 2007 from March 25-31.

Exercise RSOI/FE 07 was a scheduled combined/joint annual exercise involving forces from both the United States and the ROK. RSOI/FE 07 was designed to provide training for our forces in the various aspects of reception, staging, onward movement, and integration as well as focusing on rear area security and sustainment operations.

The exercise demonstrated the U.S. commitment to the ROK/U. S. alliance and enhanced the combat readiness of ROK and U.S. supporting forces through combined and joint training.

According to Capt. Sean O’Connor, Lake Champlain’s commanding officer, his crew spearheaded multiple exercises with the ROK and JMSDF, from helicopter operations to complex air defense exercises during the deployment.

“My crew understood that this deployment was necessary to support our nation’s efforts in the war on terrorism,” said O’Connor. “Their pride and professionalism is reflected in the outstanding material condition of ‘Champ’ as we return to homeport, and by the many new ESWS [Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist] pins gracing the uniforms of over 20 crew members.”

“It felt great serving our country throughout our most recent operations,” added O’Connor. “It feels better to be home with our families again.”

Enlisted Sailors aboard Lake Champlain said they agreed with their commanding officer’s feelings when it comes to returning home after a deployment.

“After completing a deployment it always feels good to be home with your family and friends,” said Storekeeper 2nd Class (SW) Raymond Skelton from Conroe, Texas. “I am really looking forward to some relaxation and spending time with my family.”

The aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan made several port calls during the three-month deployment including stops in Sasebo, Japan; Hong Kong; Busan, Republic of Korea and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. During these port visits, more than 600 Sailors volunteered their off-duty time in 23 community relations (COMREL) projects, including visits to orphanages and elderly care homes. The ship also raised more than $116,000 underway during the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society Fund Drive for 2007.

With the short notice that was given prior to the surge deployment, Sailors said they made the sacrifices necessary to get underway but were also really looking forward to the reunion with family members.

“I checked in to the command in December and went to school for three weeks and was finished with school one day before we deployed,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class (AW) Mario Nunez. “I’m looking forward to seeing the house my family moved into while I was deployed.”

More than 500 friends and family members of the crew will also be arriving in Coronado after joining the crew of Ronald Reagan April 13 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for a scheduled “Tiger Cruise” on the last leg of the deployment.

Commissioned in July 2003, Ronald Reagan is the ninth and newest Nimitz-class, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The ship is named for the 40th U.S. president; its motto, “Peace through Strength,” was a recurrent theme during the Reagan presidency.

For related news, visit the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn76/.