Aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan starts western Pacific patrol

US Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) got underway from Yokosuka, Japan, for patrols and operations in the western Pacific Ocean.

The carrier departed Japan May 29 together with the accompanying carrier strike group composed of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Chancellorsville (CG 62).

Ronald Reagan Strike Group will be conducting training in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

“[Ronald Reagan Strike Group] is very excited to get underway and begin to train and operate together, as well as with our allies and partners,” said Rear Adm. Marc Dalton, commander, Commander Task Force 70. “As we get underway for these operations we will continue to represent the United States as the security partner of choice in the region, to ensure freedom of the seas, drive stability and security and to promote adherence to a rules-based international order.”

USS Ronald Reagan started the patrol after completing an extensive four-month selected restricted availability (SRA). The ship completed post refit sea trials on May 17 and deployed 12 days later, on May 29.

“I’m very proud of the hard work and diligence of all of the incredible Sailors in the strike group,” Dalton said. “The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is ready to get underway to perform our mission in all respects and to answer the call of our nation and our allies.”