YOKOSUKA, Japan -- The U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and its strike group departed Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) May 19 to support security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
During this routine at-sea period, Ronald Reagan, its strike group ships and the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 are expected to work with allies and partners, promote adherence to a rules-based international order, as well as maintain presence and flexibility to meet the needs of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Ronald Reagan successfully completed sea trials in preparation for deployment on May 13.
"Ronald Reagan's flexible presence is a key element in helping assure our regional allies and partners that the United States remains committed to ensuring freedom of the seas," said Capt. Fred Goldhammer, commanding officer of Ronald Reagan. "Across the globe, the crew aboard Ronald Reagan seeks to preserve 'peace through strength' and is ready to answer the call."
Sailors manned the rails in summer white uniforms as the ship pulled away from the pier.
"The Ronald Reagan carrier strike group is excited to deploy and assume the watch during a time of unprecedented activity throughout the region," said Rear Adm. Will Pennington, commander, Task Force 70, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5. "Our team has worked hard to prepare for this moment. Alongside our regional allies and partners, we are ready to respond to any contingency in any location to demonstrate our shared commitment to regional stability and adherence to international norms."
The Ronald Reagan Strike Group also includes the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67).
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest numbered fleet in the world, and with the help of 35 other maritime-nation allies and partners, the U.S. Navy has operated in the Indo-Pacific region for more than 70 years, providing credible, ready forces to help preserve peace and prevent conflict.