About this Unit
USS *Theodore Roosevelt* (CVN-71) is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned into the United States Navy in October 1986. Named after the 26th President of the United States, the ship has played a critical role in multiple military operations, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and Operation Enduring Freedom after the September 11 attacks. The *Theodore Roosevelt* has demonstrated the Navy's global reach by conducting deployments in the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, and Indo-Pacific regions. Over its service, the carrier has undergone several overhauls and modernization efforts to maintain its combat readiness and continues to serve as a vital asset in U.S. naval power projection.
Historical Facts
•
Namesake & Legacy: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is named after the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, who was famous for his naval advocacy and the phrase "Speak softly and carry a big stick."
•
Commissioning: The aircraft carrier was commissioned on October 25, 1986, at Newport News, Virginia, and is the fourth Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
•
Nickname: The ship is affectionately known as the “Big Stick,” honoring both Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy and the ship’s formidable power.
•
Operation Desert Storm: In 1991, Theodore Roosevelt participated in Operation Desert Storm, launching more than 4,200 sorties in a span of 43 days in support of coalition forces.
•
Historic Deployment: In 1999, Theodore Roosevelt made history as the first aircraft carrier to have women assigned to a permanent combat role on board.
•
Longest Deployment: In 2020, the USS Theodore Roosevelt set a record for the longest period at sea for a U.S. aircraft carrier in the post-World War II era—over 160 days—due to COVID-19 restrictions.
•
COVID-19 Outbreak: In March 2020, the ship faced a highly publicized COVID-19 outbreak affecting over 1,000 crew members, leading to the removal of its commanding officer, Captain Brett Crozier.
•
Humanitarian Missions: The ship has participated in multiple humanitarian missions, including relief efforts following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
•
Carrier Air Wing: The Theodore Roosevelt typically embarks Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11), which includes a variety of strike fighters, electronic warfare aircraft, and helicopters.
•
Homeports: The carrier has been homeported at both Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, and Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California, reflecting its service in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets.
