USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT

• 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.