Japan-based carrier USS Ronald Reagan starts sea trials after maintenance

The U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) on May 7 set sail from naval base Yokosuka, Japan, to start sea trials following a maintenance period.

Ronald Reagan started its selective restricted availability (SRA) maintenance period on January 10.

“I am extremely proud of the Reagan crew’s accomplishments up to this point of our SRA period,” said Capt. Buzz Donnelly, commanding officer. “We are all looking forward to completing sea trials and returning to operations in the 7th Fleet.”

During sea trials, Ronald Reagan’s crew will undergo multiple training and qualification exercises to include engineering and medical drills as well as air, flight deck and hangar bay operations to evaluate the performance of sailors and their departments.

“The crew has worked tirelessly to get the ship ready to succeed at our mission at sea,” said Capt. Paul Lanzilotta, executive officer. “In partnership with our SRF, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Sumitomo Heavy Industries teammates, we’ve been able to complete a tremendous amount of work in a very compressed period. The ship is clearly in an improved material condition and we’re excited to be back into operations.”

Ronald Reagan’s departure from Yokosuka marks the first time the ship has been underway since completing her 2016 patrol.