USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) & Carrier Strike Group 7

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Comment by Paige on October 23, 2009 at 9:17pm

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Returns Home
Story Number: NNS091023-02
Release Date: 10/23/2009 8:23:00 AM



By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Frank E. Neely, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - Ronald Reagan Strike Group Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Four ships and more than 5,000 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 returned to their homeport of San Diego Oct. 21 after a five-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR).

The strike group flagship, the Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the guided-missile destroyers USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USS Howard (DDG 83) arrived to meet thousands of family members waiting on the pier.

The guided missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) and the guided missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) remain deployed. The two ships remained in the 5th Fleet AOR for a few extra weeks to provide Maritime Security Operations (MSO), but should arrive next month.

"This is the finest team of Sailors I've been fortunate to call shipmates," said Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, commander, CSG 7. "I could not be more proud of each and every Sailor and their families. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group has been pretty busy the last few years, executing missions across the capabilities of our National Maritime Strategy--and answering the call with impressive results every time."

Ronald Reagan and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 operated in the 5th Fleet AOR for more than two months, providing 30 percent of all air support to U.S. and coalition ground forces in Afghanistan. In total, they flew more than 1,600 sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Ships of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group were also vital in counterpiracy operations off of Somalia and the Horn of Africa, and MSO to include protecting vital Iraqi infrastructure in the North Arabian Gulf.

"Every single Sailor knew how vital the mission was to accomplish," said Capt. Kenneth Norton, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. "Because they understood, regardless of their operational tempo, they performed the mission, not just to get it done, but to get it done well. They're selfless. Everybody did their job well to provide service to our Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen in Afghanistan."

Additionally, Ronald Reagan's Sailors participated in 50 community relations (COMREL) projects during port visits to Singapore, Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Phuket, Thailand.

"Being able to afford our Sailors the opportunity to lend a helping hand to those who are truly in need, speaks volumes to the character of our Sailors," said Chief Religious Progams Specialist (SW/AW/FMF) Marcus Taylor, who coordinated Ronald Reagan's COMREL projects. "I believe the Sailors that volunteer really should be commended for their selfless efforts. It is a clear display of maturity and devotion to being goodwill ambassadors for the Navy and the United States."

Now at home, many Sailors of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group will take leave to spend time with family and friends.

"This is my second deployment in two years," said Interior Communications 2nd Class Adam Treptow, who will be going on leave to his hometown of Parker, Colo. "Homecoming is always an indescribable feeling. I'm too excited. This is a chance for me to get off the ship, relax, unwind and finally buy myself a new truck."

The squadrons of CVW-14 include the "Redcocks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, the "Fist of the Fleet" of VFA-25, the "Stingers" of VFA-113, the "Eagles" of VFA-115, the "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the "Cougars" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, the "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 30, and the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.

This ends the fourth deployment in four years for Ronald Reagan. The ship is named after the 40th U.S. president, and carries the motto of "Peace through Strength," a recurrent theme during the Reagan presidency.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on October 23, 2009 at 11:33am

A Bravo Zulu to all members of the Reagan Task Group for a job well done on the completion of deployment. And to all the Tigers out there- I know you had an amazing and awesome cruise...please rremember to post photos and blogs about your experiences in the Tiger Cruise group.

Comment by Crystal Mitchell on October 22, 2009 at 6:43pm

I am waiting anxiously. Sunday will be here soon. I hope you have a good time with Evan. The food will be cranked up a notch while Justen is here. I bet we'll all gain 10 pounds. Have fun.

Comment by E.G. - ND's Creator/Admin on October 21, 2009 at 7:06pm

Crystal,

I'm with ya, HooYah! "The Reagan is home". Evan will be home Friday night, can't wait! Hope you have a great time with Justen. Whatever time we have with our Sailors won't be long enough after the months they spent overseas. Also, I hope the Tiger's had a fantastic trip.

Comment by Crystal Mitchell on October 21, 2009 at 4:50pm

I am so glad to see the Reagan in her spot. Yeh they are back in port. 3 days and a wake up and he'll be home in Pa.

Comment by Crystal Mitchell on October 19, 2009 at 10:46pm

Call the Reagan Careline 1-800-339-8257. You want to listen to the obsbudsman. They said usually .... Just call it they will have it on the option #2 sometime tomorrow.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on October 19, 2009 at 10:38pm

PLEASE Do not post times in a public area....send a private message if you decide to reply. Refer to OPSEC guidelines in the About This Site area on the right side of every NavyDads page

Comment by Crystal Mitchell on October 19, 2009 at 11:55am

Well most Reagan sites are quiet. Must be everyones traveling to see there sailor. We are working at home in Pennsylvania. Justen will be home in 6 days. He moves into his new apartment and then will come home. His room mate is picking him up. He does not know where he lives just they got a new apt. while he was gone. One of the room mates is out to sea until march 2010. Seems to only be two of them home most of the time. Not long now until HC. Everyone be safe and enjoy the HC celbrations.

Comment by Crystal Mitchell on October 16, 2009 at 5:56am

Yesterday afternoon Justen called. He was very thrilled to be pulling out of Hi. That seems a little unreal in a way. He has passed his air warfare board and should be pinned this week. I understand his work space is secret so he might not meet any of the tigers that are looking for him. He thinks that the fact we are having an early snow storm for the next three days is strange. I have to agree with that. He is hoping for a little late indiansummer temperatures while he is home. Hope evryone on the tiger cruise is having fun. To all of us waiting patiently, keep planning an work that plan. They'll all be home soon.

Comment by Glen R. on October 15, 2009 at 11:07am

My wife, my son and our Navy daughter were on their way to board the Carrier. They all were able to spend yesterday together, snorkling, walking the beaches and browsing the shops on or near the beach. I'm happy they are having a great time re-connecting. I can't wait to see the pictures! I was able to talk to all three as they were taking the taxi ti the Carrier. I pray that God keeps all the "Tigers" and crew safe and covers them all with His Grace.

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