Thailand: Ronald Reagan CSG Arrives in Phuket

Three ships and more than 5,000 Sailors and Marines from the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) arrived in Phuket, Thailand, May 1, for a scheduled port visit.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) and guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) are anchored off Thailand’s largest island.

While in Phuket, Sailors and Marines will participate in community service projects and have opportunities to experience the local culture through tours offered through Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

“Phuket is one of the Navy’s favorite places to visit.” said Capt. Thom Burke, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “We look forward to the visit, as we continue building our relationships within the community.”

Ronald Reagan departed from its homeport of San Diego Feb. 2 for a training exercise and a deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

The ships of the Ronald Reagan CSG were the first to arrive and begin humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations after a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami struck off the coast of northern Japan March 11.

The Ronald Reagan CSG is comprised of Ronald Reagan, Chancellorsville (CG 62) and Destroyer Squadron 7, which includes Preble. Embarked Carrier Air Wing 14 includes the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, the “Argonauts” of VFA 147, the “Blue Diamonds” of VFA 146, the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323, the “Black Eagles” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron 113, the “Cougars” of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 139, the “Providers” of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4.

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Source: navy, May 3, 2011;