About this Unit
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned into the United States Navy on July 12, 2003. Named after the 40th U.S. President, the ship has served as a centerpiece of American naval power in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Since joining the fleet, Ronald Reagan has participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian missions, joint exercises, and combat deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism. In 2015, the carrier was forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, where it continues to serve as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group Five, reinforcing U.S. presence and alliances in the Indo-Pacific region.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is named after the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan, and is the first aircraft carrier to be named in honor of a still-living former president at the time of its christening.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on July 12, 2003, at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, with former First Lady Nancy Reagan christening the vessel.
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Nimitz-class Carrier: USS Ronald Reagan is the ninth ship in the Nimitz-class of nuclear-powered supercarriers, known for their size, power, and technological sophistication.
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Homeport Relocation: In 2015, the USS Ronald Reagan replaced the USS George Washington (CVN-73) as the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan, enhancing U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Humanitarian Missions: The ship has played a crucial role in humanitarian operations, such as providing disaster relief after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan (Operation Tomodachi).
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Flight Deck: The flight deck of the USS Ronald Reagan is over 1,000 feet long, enabling it to support more than 60 aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornets, E-2C Hawkeyes, and MH-60 helicopters.
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Power and Speed: Powered by two nuclear reactors, the carrier can operate for over 20 years without refueling and reach speeds exceeding 30 knots.
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Crew Size: The ship supports a crew of about 3,200 sailors, plus an additional 2,480 personnel in the air wing during flight operations, making it a floating city at sea.
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Presidential Visits: President George W. Bush became the first president to land on the USS Ronald Reagan in 2004, shortly after its commissioning, highlighting its symbolic importance.
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Hollywood Appearance: The USS Ronald Reagan has been featured in various documentaries, news stories, and even inspired episodes in TV shows, reflecting its prominence as a symbol of American naval power.
