The US Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), concluded a three-month patrol of Indo-Asia- Pacific returning to its base at Yokosuka, Japan, on August 9.
During the patrol, Ronald Reagan participated in exercise Talisman Saber 2017, designed to enhance U.S.-Australian military interoperability through a variety of maritime, land and air operations scenarios.
The ship also conducted dual-carrier operations with USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and Carrier Strike Group 1.
“The crew of Ronald Reagan, as well as the carrier strike group, had the opportunity to accomplish a lot this patrol,” said Capt. Buzz Donnelly, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “Any opportunity we have to exercise with our allies enhances our interoperability and makes us more effective overall in maintaining the security and stability in this region.”
Ronald Reagan departed Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, May 16, to kickoff the 2017 Indo-Asia- Pacific patrol. The ship’s major exercise during the summer patrol was Talisman Saber 2017, which took place in waters off the coast of Australia. Talisman Saber included more than 33,000 U.S. and Australian personnel and featured 21ships, including the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, and more than 200 joint aircraft.
Along with Talisman Saber 2017, Ronald Reagan joined the long line of aircraft carriers to conduct dual-carrier operations in the Western Pacific, when it participated in dual-carrier operations with Carl Vinson, June 1.
During the patrol, Ronald Reagan promoted 259 sailors from the advancement exam and another 40 through the Meritorious Advancement Program.
The ship also honored the late Julius “Harry” Frey, a Battle of Coral Sea and USS Lexington survivor, by spreading his ashes in the waters where Lexington sank during WWII.
More than 60 midshipmen embarked on Ronald Reagan during the summer patrol. The midshipmen were aboard in two groups, one for 30 days and another for two weeks, as part of their “summer cruise,” designed to give them the experience of living aboard a ship as an enlisted sailor or officer before they commission as an ensign in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps.