Japan-based carrier USS Ronald Reagan deploys for Indo-Pacific ops

The US Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) got underway from Yokosuka, Japan, on May 22, to start a deployment to the Indo-Pacific.

The carrier deployed with supporting Commander Task Force 70 units for routine operations in the region.

“Forward presence truly matters. For more than seventy years, our forces have been present and ready to respond immediately on behalf of our friends and allies,” said Rear Adm. Karl Thomas, CTF 70. “The continued presence of Ronald Reagan and all our forward-deployed forces in the Indo-Pacific region, at sea where it matters most, promotes security and stability which in turn drives peace and prosperity to benefit all regional countries.”

“Reagan sailors worked hard to complete the most successful maintenance period the ship has ever seen,” said Capt. Pat Hannifin, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “Reagan returns to the sea more lethal than ever, visibly renewing US commitment to international norms in a free and open Indo-Pacific. We value our allies and partners in the region and are excited to support them again with our air wing and strike group from the sea.”

Ronald Reagan recently completed an extensive maintenance period which repaired and upgraded ship’s systems increasing the ship’s warfighting capabilities. Ronald Reagan forward-deployed to the Indo-Pacific from San Diego in the fall of 2015 and replaced the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).