“The adoption of a ship or a unit carries with it a deep commitment inasmuch as the council
and its members assume the responsibility for enhancing the morale and general well being
of the officers and the crew. In effect, the council and its members become
“The civilians who are there to assist the unit at all times.”
Click HERE: See the 2009 USS Ronald Reagan Sailor Awards
*** NEW for July 2009: On Station with the USS Ronald Reagan - A Photo Album ***
(Flash Animation)
Click HERE: Read MORE about the latest nationwide
community events celebrating the USS Ronald Reagan
Read Santa Barbara media coverage covering
the USS Ronald Reagan visit
Review the official PHOTO GALLERY documenting the USS Ronald Reagan visit
News Item: LA Kings Hockey Team Treats USRR Crew Like Royalty
News Item: Santa Barbara Celebrates Ronald Reagan's 98th Birthday
The USS Ronald Reagan: A Distinguished Visitor's Experience (video)
The Santa Barbara Navy League officially “adopted” the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) in June 2000. Because our community served as the “Western White House” during the Presidency of Ronald Reagan, the Santa Barbara Navy League is particularly proud of the role we will play in the history of this ship.
We have launched a major fundraising campaign to provide ship “enhancements” designed to improve the quality of sailors' lives while deployed, and to support the crew and their families for the life of the ship (approximately 50 years). Our support of the ship and crew is made possible through donations from individuals, corporations and foundations and is directed toward the following:
Ship Enhancements
While the Navy provides for sailors' basic personal and educational needs, the Santa Barbara Navy League will provide “enhancements” designed to improve sailors' comfort and quality of life during deployment. Such enhancements include recreational equipment like musical instruments and athletic gear; additional books and computers for crew members who are continuing their education; a Cyber Café so sailors can send and receive timely email communications with family members; video cameras and recorders so children have an opportunity to hear Dad or Mom wish them a happy birthday or tell them how much they are loved and missed; upgrades to lounge and mess areas to make the few hours away from the job more comfortable; and items for the chapel so that individual spiritual needs can be met.
It is tradition that a ship honors its namesake. As part of the enhancements provided by the Santa Barbara Navy League, the legacy of Ronald Reagan will be forever a part of this ship. For example, the Crew's Mess will be decorated with photos and movie posters from his years in Hollywood; the Wardrooms will honor his two terms as governor of the State of California; the Chief Petty Officers' Dining Area will reflect President Reagan's love for his Santa Barbara ranch, Rancho del Cielo; and the Admiral's and Captain's Dining Rooms will be furnished to reflect President Reagan's two terms in the White House.
Sailor Awards
Outstanding performance awards are given each quarter by the ship's Commanding Officer. This is a great opportunity to let these sailors know how their dedication and service to our nation is appreciated. At the awards ceremony, the Santa Barbara Navy League presents outstanding sailors with a recognition gift such as a “getaway weekend” at a local hotel, dinner for two at a nice restaurant, passes to an amusement park, and simple items such as photo frames or pen and pencil sets. Because sailors receive a limited salary, these gifts make the outstanding performance awards a bit more special.
2009 USS Ronald Reagan Sailor Awards
2009 Sailor of the Year: SH1(AW/SW) Angel Escribano
Sailors of the Quarter:
4th Quarter:
Senior Sailor of the Quarter-HM1(SW/AW/FMF/SCW) Kimberly L. Chavez
Sailor of the Quarter-MC2(SW/AW) Brandie Wills
Junior Sailor of the Quarter-ABE3(AW/SW) Morris E. Thomas
Blue Jacket of the Quarter-ABEAA(AW/SW) Terrence J. Chase
3rd Quarter:
Senior Sailor of the Quarter-ET1(SW/AW) Cynthia Sperry
Sailor of the Quarter-PR2(AW/SW) Mark I. Longacre
Junior Sailor of the Quarter-SH3(AW/SW) Marvin D. Smith
Blue Jacket of the Quarter-ABHAN(AW/SW) Ruthzar Casseus
2rd Quarter:
Senior Sailor of the Quarter-HM1(SW/AW) Nikki Craig
Sailor of the Quarter-YN2(SW/AW) Donald Johnson
Junior Sailor of the Quarter-MM3(SW/AW) Herbert Moore
Blue Jacket of the Quarter-SHSN(AW/SW) Ashley Rice
 |
Support for the Crew and Their Families
The Santa Barbara Navy League considers the crew not only our protectors, but our family. Crew members visit the Santa Barbara community regularly. We welcome them into our homes and plan activities so they can meet our membership and enjoy the beauty of Santa Barbara . We are also creating a survivor's assistance fund to help support the families of USS RONALD REAGAN crew members in the event of a tragic loss of life. |
Ronnie Beanie Baby
Ronnie™ the bear Beanie Baby® was created by Ty to commemorate the July 12, 2003 commissioning of the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76), America's newest and most technically advanced aircraft carrier. Ronnie the Beanie Baby is a gray bear with a white sailor hat and collar and the Navy League logo and USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) embroidered on its chest. The poem written on its tag reads: |
 |
As you sail out on your way
In our hearts you'll always stay
And because you're brave and true
This special bear is just for YOU!
“We are proud to join the people of Santa Barbara and the United States in celebrating the commissioning of the USS RONALD REAGAN,” said Ty Warner, CEO/Chairman of Ty Inc. and Beanie Baby creator. “It is important that the men and women who serve on this great ship, as well as all who serve our country in the armed forces, know that we appreciate their dedication.”
|
Former first lady Nancy Reagan stated, “My husband and I are thrilled to be a part of the Ronnie the bear Beanie Baby project that will benefit the men and women who serve aboard USS RONALD REAGAN. We are grateful to the Santa Barbara Navy League and Ty Warner for their generosity in bringing this adorable bear to the public. I hope it will find its way into the hearts and homes of thousands across the country.”
Ty Warner presents former First Lady, Nancy Reagan with a Ronnie Bear. Photo by
Joanne Calitri |
For the past decade, Ty has created numerous Beanie Babies® to raise funds for many worthy causes, such as: HERO™ which was created for the USO; America™ the bear, to benefit the American Red Cross in response to 9/11; Princess™ the bear, for Diana, Princess of Wales Foundation; Ariel™ the bear, for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation; and Issy™ the bear, for the Terry Fox Foundation for Cancer Research.
Founded in 1986 by Ty Warner, creator of the wildly popular Beanie Babies®, Ty is the leader in plush toys. In addition to the Beanie Baby® line, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, the company's product line includes: Beanie Buddies™, Classic™, Beanie Boppers™, Punkies™, Pluffies™ and Teenie Beanie Boppers®. The red Ty Heart Logo®, recognized around the world, can be found on all Ty products available at finer specialty gift retailers. Visit Ty on the Internet at http://www.ty.com .
Click HERE: Visit the US Navy website for the USS Ronald Reagan |
