Carrier USS Ronald Reagan Chops Into 7th Fleet

September 21, 2015 1:18 PM
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) transits the Pacific Ocean toward the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to serve as the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier on Sept. 19, 2015. US Navy Photo
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) transits the Pacific Ocean toward the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to serve as the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier on Sept. 19, 2015. US Navy Photo

The Navy’s Japan-bound carrier — part of an elaborate three nuclear carrier swap — has entered the Western Pacific, the service announced over the weekend.

Entering U.S. 7th Fleet, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is a step closer to assuming its new role as forward deployed U.S. carrier based out of Yokosuka, Japan — taking the place of USS George Washington (CVN-73).

Ronald Reagan’s forward deployment to 7th Fleet demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the region and our allies,” said Rear Adm. John Alexander, commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet, said in a statement.
“It reiterates the importance of the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force interoperability, and ensures we have the most capable platform forward when it matters, where it matters.”

An infographic showing a development timeline for a 3 carrier crew swap between the aircraft carriers USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS George Washington (CVN 73), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). US Navy illustration.
An infographic showing a development timeline for a 3 carrier crew swap between the aircraft carriers USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS George Washington (CVN 73), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). US Navy illustration.

The carrier departed San Diego, Calif. on Aug. 31 as part of a three-ship-shuffle that moves Washington to the East Coast to undergo a mid-life refit and refueling and moves USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) from Naval Station Norfolk, Va. to take the place of Reagan.

Washington left earlier this month, four days late, ultimately bound for Newport News Shipbuilding for a multi-billion refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) on the heels of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72).

As part of the swap the crews of all the carriers will largely stay in place while the ships move.

“Approximately two-thirds of each crew will remain in their original homeport while one-third will remain with their ship, including reactor department personnel and aircraft carrier commanding officers, executive officers and command master chiefs,” read a Navy statement.
According to estimates from the Navy, the swap will save the service about $41 million in moving expenses for the crews.

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
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