YOKOSUKA, Japan -- Units from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 and its flagship, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), returned to Yokosuka, Dec. 4, following a three-month patrol of the Indo-Asia Pacific region.

While on patrol, CSG 5 was comprised of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, the Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 staff, and the guided- missile destroyers USS Stethem (DDG 63), USS Mustin (DDG 89) and USS Chafee (DDG 90).

"The team executed an impressive range of operations, including bringing three strike groups together, and I'm proud of the dedication and professionalism that Carrier Strike Group 5 demonstrated throughout," said Rear Adm. Marc Dalton, commander, Task Force 70. "We are all very excited to return home to enjoy the holidays with our friends and loved ones."

During the patrol, CSG 5 participated in Maritime Counter Special Operations Forces (MCSOF) Exercise 2017, a combined joint operation and exercise with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy, U.S. Seventh Fleet, the ROK Air Force, U.S. Pacific Air Forces’ 7th Air Force and U.S. Eighth Army, for the purpose of continuing the United States’ national policy and commitment to the U.S. – ROK alliance and the region.

CSG 5 also participated in Carrier Strike Group operations with CSG 9 and CSG 11, including USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The carrier strike force conducted air defense drills, sea surveillance, replenishments-at-sea, defensive air combat training, close-in coordinated maneuvers and other training. This is the first time that three carrier strike groups have operated together in the Western Pacific since exercises Valiant Shield 2006 and 2007 off the coast of Guam.

Finally, CSG 5 participated in Annual Exercise 2017 (AE 17) a bilateral maritime field training exercise involving the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and U.S. Navy. AE 17, the premier training event between U.S. Navy and JMSDF, is designed to increase the defensive readiness and interoperability of Japanese and American forces through training in air and sea operations.