EQNEED - View topic - U. S. Aircraft Carrier Status October 12 2008 to Present - U. S. AIRCRAFT CARRIER DEPLOYMENT HISTORY DATA BASE - Forum posting restricted. - Free Message Board Hosting by FreePowerBoards.com

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) arrived Everett, Wa. on 12 October 2008, ending her ninth “Westpac” deployment, and seventh Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) deployment conducting her 1st Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and most likely her 2nd Operation Enduring Freedom and 2nd Operation Iraqi Freedom on the U. S. Navy’s 88th Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment since September 1945 operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet, departing San Diego, Calif. on 9 October 2008 disembarking CVW-2 while visiting San Diego from 8 to 9 October 2008. Abraham Lincoln underway in the Eastern Pacific from 13 to 14 March 2008. Embarked CVW-2 while visiting San Diego from 15 to 16 March 2008. Underway in the Eastern Pacific from 17 to 21 March 2008, Abraham Lincoln visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 22 to 23 March 2008. Underway in the Pacific from 24 March to 8 April 2008; underway in the Philippine Sea from 9 to 10 April 2008 and underway in the South China Sea from 11 to 20 April 2008 during which time Ships and aircraft from Carrier Strike Group 9 and the Republic of Singapore Navy conducted a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) while underway near Singapore, April 15 and upon conclusion more than 170 Sailors from Abraham Lincoln gave back to the Singapore community during community relations events while in port, April 16-20. While underway in the Indian Ocean from 22 to 23 April 2008, Ambassadors and senior military officials from Indonesia visited Abraham Lincoln for a tour and to observe a display of its air power 23 April 2008. Distinguished visitors included U.S. Ambassador Cameron Hume of the U.S. Embassy, Special Advisor to the Minister of Marine Affairs Ambassador Professor Dr. Hasyim Djalal, and Naval Attaché Capt. Kevin Wilson of the U.S. Embassy among several other high-ranking military officials. Underway in the Indian Ocean from 22 to 23 April 2008, arriving the 5th Fleet operating area on 23 April 2008, Abraham Lincoln relieved USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) operating in the Persian Gulf, underway in the Arabian Sea from 24 to 27 April 2008. Seven weeks into their seven-month deployment, Abraham Lincoln Sailors made time to celebrate the National Day of Prayer by gathering together May 1, for a special breakfast on the forward mess decks. As people across America celebrated a National Day of Prayer to commemorate unity in belief and spirit, so did Sailors aboard ships halfway around the world in the Persian Gulf. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Director of Operations U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti and members of his staff, who are based in Tampa, Fla., visited Abraham Lincoln May 11-12. CENTCOM Deputy Director of Operations Brig. Gen. Gregory A. Biscone also extended his gratitude to the crew and the Deputy Commander, U.S. Navy Central Forces Command (NAVCENT), visited Sailors of the Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG), May 14-15. Rear Adm. Scott Swift and members of his staff arrived aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Lincoln Carrier Strike Group flagship, via carrier on board delivery and they were greeted on the flight deck by the Lincoln Carrier Strike Group leadership. As the Sailors on board Abraham Lincoln hit the one-third completion mark of their scheduled seven-month deployment May 17. Contributing to this elevated spirit is a dancing and rapping competition at the carrier's very own night club, Club 72, located on the mess decks once a month on Saturday nights. With the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group reaching the one-third completion point of its seven-month deployment May 22, ensuring clean fuel is available for Carrier Air Wing 2 aircraft flying combat mission is crucial. Abraham Lincoln Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE assigned to Commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine, Abraham Lincoln’s Strike Group ship’s the guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59), FS Surcouf (F 711), HMS Montrose (F 236), RFA Waveknight (A 389) and four other coalition ships conducted air defense, surface, visit, board, search and seizure and joint gunnery exercises, which focused on joint interoperability training and proficiency during Exercise Khunjar Haad, a four-day multinational exercise conducted in the Gulf of Oman, May 17-21. Underway in the Persian Gulf (5th Fleet Theater of Operation) from 28 April to 22 May 2008, Sailors experience their first port visit in the Middle East, , Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, May 23-27, during their current deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Members of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) serving in Bahrain visited Abraham Lincoln June 19 while conducting operations in the Arabian Gulf. Coalition liaison officers -- 16 in all -- from various countries including Italy, New Zealand and Pakistan came aboard Lincoln to gain insight into the ship's capabilities and experience life aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Abraham Lincoln approacheed the midway point of its scheduled seven-month deployment on 24 June 2008, the services of the aircraft carrier's search and rescue swimmers have not been required; however, the training for their vital mission continues. Three of Lincoln’s squadrons passed control on to new officers in three separate ceremonies. Cmdr. Terence A. Hoeft took the helm as Commanding Officer of Helicopter Anti- submarine Squadron (HS) 2, replacing Cmdr. Edward J. Iocco during a change of command ceremony aboard Abraham Lincoln on 1 July 2008. Underway in the Persian Gulf (5th Fleet Theater of Operation) from 27 May to 7 July 2008 and the Gulf of Oman on 8 July 2008. Sailors performed as the band "Death by Chicken," during Abraham Lincoln's steel beach picnic July 26. Ten Sailors from Abraham Lincoln visited the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana (F111) during a crew exchange. Several senior military officials visited the Abraham Lincoln from 25 to 26 August 2008. The visitors included Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq; Army Gen. David McKiernan, commander of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan; Navy Adm. Eric Olson, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command; and Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, acting commander of U.S. Central Command. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group assumed the duties as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 50 Aug. 28, and launched its first sorties into Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While uunderway in the Gulf of Thailand on 8 to 11 September 2008, Cambodian military and embassy staff members paid a visit to Abraham Lincoln Sept. 10, in a display of camaraderie for military-to-military servicemembers. The visitors were escorted by Charges de Affairs, Piper Campbell of the U.S. Embassy to the Kingdom of Cambodia and included Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. General Nhek Bun Chhay; advisor to the Cambodian Prime Minister, H. E. Om Yentieng; Secretary of State to Civil Aviation, H.E. Mao Havannal; Commander, Cambodian Army and Deputy Commander in Chief, Gen. Meas Sophea; and Commander, Royal Cambodian Air Force, Lt. Gen. Soeung Samnang. Thailand military and embassy staff members visited Abraham Lincoln to tour the ship and meet with the crew Sept. 11.The visitors included Deputy Chief of Staff, Royal Thai Navy, Vice Adm. Soopakorn Booranadiloak; Royal Thai Navy Foreign Liaison Department Capt. Chonlathis Navanugraha; Col. Joe Corso, U.S. Embassy; and Col. Jacques LeBlanc, Canadian Embassy, arriving Laem Chabang, Thailand on 12 September 2008, visiting Laem Chabang, Thailand from 12 to 15 September 2008, during which time Sailors from Abraham Lincoln took time Sept. 13 from their recent port visit to Pattaya, Thailand, to bring a little joy to children affected by HIV and AIDS at the Camillian Social Center Rayong, while one of Abraham Lincoln Sailors reunited with his family Sept. 15 during the ship's recent port call to Thailand. Information Systems Technician 2nd Class (SW/AW) Norrandt Sutakul of Lincoln's Combat Systems Department, born in Bangkok, was able to visit with his uncle, Commander in Chief, Royal Thai Fleet Adm. Prawit Srisukwatana. Underway in the Pacific from 16 to 29 September 2008, Abraham Lincoln visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 30 September to 2 October 2008, departing Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on 3 October 2008 with friends and family aboard for a "Tiger Cruise" en route to San Diego, Ca. from 3 to 7 October 2008, during which time Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 held an airborne change of command ceremony Oct. 6. In a display of aerial power and maneuverability, Capt. John C. Aquilino, of Huntington, N.Y., handed over the reins of CVW 2, to Capt. Alton Ross, of Baton Rouge, La.. Aquilino, flying an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Kestrels" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137, passed command of CVW 2 to Ross, flying in an F/A-18C Hornet from the "Blue Blasters" of VFA-34, while performing a fly-by of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), operating in the Pacific Ocean. Rear Adm. Scott Van Buskirk, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 9, officiated the ceremony from an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the "Bounty Hunters" of VFA-2. Aquilino said he will take a lot of great memories away from this tour; pulling into San Diego Oct. 8 with the Strike Group, after a seven-month deployment supporting maritime security operations in 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation, sailors and aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 disembarked the strike group's flag ship Abraham Lincoln, visiting San Diego, Ca. from 8 to 9 October 2008, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 9 held a change of command ceremony Oct. 9 aboard Abraham Lincoln moored at Naval Air Station North Island. Rear Adm. Scott Swift relieved Rear Adm. Scott Van Buskirk. Van Buskirk served as CCSG-9 since March 26, 2007. Under his leadership, the strike group completed a Western Pacific deployment and Navywide standardization in counter-targeting, missile defense and network defense tactical doctrine. Departing on the 9th Abraham Lincoln conducted a Tiger Cruise en route to Everett, Wa. from 9 to 11 October 2008. During its deployment, Abraham Lincoln worked alongside coalition partners in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. The strike group, along with CVW 2 successfully flew more than 7,100 sorties including 2,307 combat sorties and completed more than 22,000 flying hours and 255,963 pounds of ordnance, supporting coalition ground forces."Getting everybody back safely after such a strenuous mission half way around the world is a great accomplishment," said Cmdr. Terrance Hoeft, commanding officer of HS-2. "All of our hard work had led up to this moment, and it really puts everything into perspective." Her 12th deployment since her commission 11 November 1989 ended; delivered to the U. S. Navy on 30 October 1989 and approximately the U. S. Navy's 789 th carrier FWFD.

The Abraham Lincoln Strike Group includes the Abraham Lincoln, Commanding Officer Capt. Patrick Hall, Rear Adm. Scott Van Buskirk, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine, Carrier Air Wing TWO, Capt. John Aquilino and Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE, Captain James T. Loeblein directs Squadron Ships for the conduct of sustained naval operations and serves as Sea Combat Commander within its assigned Carrier Strike Group to include the USS Curts (FFG 38), guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), and the guide-missile destroyers USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Momsen (DDG-92) and USS Shoup (DDG 86).

"Boom!" exclaimed one chief to simulate an explosion in the hangar bay. "Let's go. Call it in!" With a 1MC announcement, a mass casualty drill was underway as USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) started its steady move toward San Diego. Fire and medical teams poured into the hangar bay within minutes.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40091

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the Indian Ocean from 8 to 15 October 2008, assigned to Commander U.S. 6th Fleet, participated in a one-day theater security cooperation (TSC) exercise with units from the South African and French navies while underway in the Indian Ocean Oct. 9.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40261

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) underway in the North Arabian Sea from 6 to 18 October 2008.

Weapons department bomb assembly division (G-3) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) earned their Mine Readiness Certification Oct. 22.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40544

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) underway in the Indian Ocean from 19 to 24 October 2008.

USS George Washington (CVN 73) underway in the Western Pacific from 10 to 30 October 2008.

Underway in the Western Pacific from 10 to 30 October 2008, by day, USS George Washington's (CVN 73) hangar bay emanates with the sounds of clanking metal and the mechanical humming most Sailors are used to. By night, a not-so-familiar shipboard sound has been filling the air – congas, timbales, and trombones – accompanied by the rhythmic stepping of feet and velvety Spanish lyrics http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40395 and with the physical readiness test (PRT) around the corner, some Sailors admit they have begun to exercise a bit more frequently. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40396

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) underway in the Western Atlantic from 17 to 30 October 2008.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) returned to Norfolk, Va. on 31 October 2008.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) visited Port Kelang, Malaysia from 25 to 31 October 2008.

Sailors returned from Sihanoukville, Kingdom of Cambodia, Oct. 31 after participating in a medical/dental civil action project (MEDCAP/DENCAP).

USS George Washington (CVN 73) visited Apra Harbor, Guam from 31 October to 3 November 2008.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) underway in the Western Pacific from 1 to 3 November 2008.

USS George Washington (CVN 73) underway in the Western Pacific on 4 November 2008.

The rock group Smash Mouth visited USS George Washington (CVN 73) Nov. 4 and played a concert for the ship's crew as the ship headed to sea after a four-day port visit in Guam.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40737

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) underway in the Pacific on 4 November 2008.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the Eastern Pacific from 23 September to 5 November 2008 conducting Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications, new EA-18G Growler of VX-9 to test, Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).

The John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG) successfully completed Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX), Nov. 5, off the coast of southern California.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40749

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) visited San Diego, California from 6 to 8 November 2008.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway off the coast of Southern California conducting Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) from 9 to 14 November 2008.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40996

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) underway in the Western Pacific from 1 to 14 November 2008, concluding military operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the North Arabian Sea from 16 October to 14 November 2008.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) underway in the Pacific from 15 to 16 November 2008.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway off the coast of Southern California from 15 to 16 November 2008.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) visited San Diego. Calif. on 17 November 2008.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 17 to 18 November 2008.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) made a visit port visit in the Middle East from 15 to 18 November 2008.

The George Washington Carrier Strike Group completed its first bilateral exercise with the Japan Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF and JASDF) Nov. 19.

ANNUALEX 20G is the 20th annual exercise of its kind but the first for USS George Washington (CVN 73), which relieved USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) this summer as the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

The exercise is designed to enhance the capabilities of both naval forces, for continued success in coordinated and bilateral operations in the defense of Japan.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=41043

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the Eastern Pacific from 18 to 20 November 2008.

USS George Washington (CVN 73) underway in the Western Pacific from 4 to 20 November 2008.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) underway in the Western Atlantic from 10 to 21 November 2008.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) returned to homeport in Bremerton, Wash. Nov. 21, deployment-ready after completing its final pre-deployment exercises.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=41070

USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrived its forward-deployed operating port of Yokosuka, Japan on 21 November 2008; ending her first deployment as a forward-deployed carrier having departed on 1 October 2008. Underway in the Western Pacific from 1 to 4 October 2008 and the Sea of Japan on 5 October 2008. Sailors celebrated Hispanic American Heritage with a Hispanic dinner menu, Latino dance performance and a ceremony on the ship's forecastle Oct. 5.
Celebrating cultural diversity is a way to help create and sustain a cultural awareness that values diversity and an environment where every individual prospers and contributes to the mission. George Washington anchored off the coast of Busan, Korea on 6 October 2008, operating in the Sea of Japan on 7 October 2008 and upon conclusion anchored off the coast of Busan, Korea from 8 to 9 October 2008. Sailors from George Washington ,USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) participated in the annual Jagalchi Festival parade in Busan Oct. 9.The three ships were in port Busan participating in the International Fleet Review celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the armed forces of the Republic of Korea (ROK). The Jagalchi Festival is held annually in the Jagalchi Seafood Market area during October. The festival consists of a parade, dance exhibition's, fireworks, an eel relay race and much more. Various other countries' sailors participated in the parade including Russian, Japanese, British, Australian, Chinese, Singapore, Indian and Royal Thai sailors along with the Republic of Korea's marines and navy; wrapping up its first port visit Oct. 10, in Busan, South Korea, where Sailors participated in this year's International Fleet Review. Underway in the Western Pacific from 10 to 30 October 2008, by day, USS George Washington's (CVN 73) hangar bay emanates with the sounds of clanking metal and the mechanical humming most Sailors are used to. By night, a not-so-familiar shipboard sound has been filling the air – congas, timbales, and trombones – accompanied by the rhythmic stepping of feet and velvety Spanish lyrics and with the physical readiness test (PRT) around the corner, some Sailors admit they have begun to exercise a bit more frequently. Sailors returned from Sihanoukville, Kingdom of Cambodia, Oct. 31 after participating in a medical/dental civil action project (MEDCAP/DENCAP). George Washington visited Apra Harbor, Guam from 31 October to 3 November 2008, underway in the Western Pacific on 4 November 2008, during which time the rock group Smash Mouth visited George Washington Nov. 4 and played a concert for the ship's crew as the ship headed to sea after a four-day port visit in Guam, followed by operations in the Western Pacific from 4 to 20 November 2008, completing its first bilateral exercise with the Japan Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF and JASDF) Nov. 19. ANNUALEX 20G is the 20th annual exercise of its kind but the first for George Washington, which relieved USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) this summer as the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier.The exercise is designed to enhance the capabilities of both naval forces, for continued success in coordinated and bilateral operations in the defense of Japan, returning to Yokosuka after a successful two-month deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean, which included stops in Busan, Republic of Korea and Guam as well as a major exercise with the Japan Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces.The GW CSG is commanded by Rear Adm. Richard B. Wren embarked on the flagship USS George Washington (CVN 73) and includes Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, Destroyer Squadron 15, USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63). Most of CVW 5 returned to Naval Air Facility Atsugi Nov. 20 with the last aircraft returning as scheduled the next day. Also returning to Yokosuka were USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USS Stethem (DDG 63), and USS Mustin (DDG 89). "These past two months have been enormously productive and rewarding," said Wren. "USS George Washington's immediate participation in several exercises and events is a clear message of the dedication we have to security and stability in this region." The GW CSG's first stop on this deployment was Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK) to participate in the ROK armed forces' 60th anniversary. Sailors also enjoyed new cultural experiences and volunteered for community relations projects. After a couple of weeks of intense air wing and shipboard training, the GW CSG's next stop was Guam, where Sailors enjoyed rest and relaxation. "We had a tremendously successful at-sea period during the last two months while we got to train with and learn about some of our closest allies in the region," said GW's Commanding Officer Capt. J. R. Haley. "Now we are very much looking forward to experiencing our new home and meeting the wonderful people of Japan after our short stay back in September." Her 10th deployment ended since her commission on the East Coast on 4 July 1992 and approximately the US Navy's 795th carrier FWFD. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=41041

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) conducted Tiger Cruise en route to San Diego. Calif. from 19 to 24 November 2008.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) returned to Norfolk, Va. on 22 November 2008.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the North Arabian Sea from 19 to 25 November 2008.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) with CVW-14 and Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Seven who relieved Rear Admiral James P. Wisecup on 27 October 2008, while on deployment in the 7th Fleet Area of Operations arrived San Diego, Calif. on 25 November 2008, as hundreds of friends and family members gathered pierside, with Capt. Kenneth Norton commanding, who assumed command May 2, departing on 19 May 2008; her third “Westpac” in support of national and theater cooperative security commitments in the western Pacific, and Indian Ocean in support of the global war on terrorism, her 2nd Operation Enduring Freedom and 2nd Maritime Security Operations (MSO) deployment on the U. S. Navy’s 89th Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment since September 1945 operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet ended. the US 5th Fleet, reactivated with operational control of the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Arabian Sea, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain in July 1995, while U.S. Naval Forces Central Command operational control extends to the Indian Ocean following the war with Iraq (Operation Desert Storm), with the Commander, 7th Fleet, serving as naval component commander for Central Command, at the beginning of Operation Southern Watch. Underway in the Eastern Pacific from 19 to 21 May 2008 operating with the 3rd Fleet, while from the 22 to 25 operating areas was not reported. Fourteen fallen shipmates were committed to the sea, May 26, off the coast of Hawaii, during a burial at sea service aboard Ronald Reagan and two-hundred and forty-seven of the Navy's petty officers received promotions during a frocking ceremony, May 26. Remaining off the waters of Hawaii, the ships of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 commenced an undersea warfare exercise (USWEX) in the waters of the Hawaiian operating area, May 28. Participating in the exercise was the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), and the ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USS Howard (DDG 83) and the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43). Two nuclear-powered fast attack submarines also participated. Operating areas from 29 to 30 May were not reported. Underway in the Pacific from 31 May to 4 June 2008, crossing the International Date Line and entered the 7th Fleet AOR on 5 June 2008. Sailors aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) paid tribute to the heroism and sacrifice of World War II Navy veterans June 6, during a ceremony held aboard Thach as the ship passed Wake Island, marking the 66th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. Thach, the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62); and the other ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON 7), the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101) operated as part of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. Underway on “WestPac” from 5 to 18 June 2008, Ronald Regan entered the Philippine Sea on 13 June 2008 and the South China Sea on 17 June 2008, while six ships and more than 7,000 Sailors of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) arrived in Hong Kong June 19 for a scheduled port visit. Many of the COMREL projects CSG 7 Sailors volunteered for directly benefited children and the elderly. USS Decatur and USS Ronald Reagan Sailors -- 45 in all -- visited the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children's Wai Yin Nursery School, where they sang songs and played games with the children. Underway on “WestPac” from 22 to 24 June 2008, Ronald Reagan and other U.S. Navy ships arrived on station near the central Philippine island of Panay in the Sulu Sea June 25 to join the humanitarian assistance mission being led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the wake of damage caused by Typhoon Fengshen. Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and other supporting ships teamed with their counterparts from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to deliver much-needed relief supplies to the victims of Typhoon Fengshen on the island of Panay June 26. A Ronald Reagan Sailor, Storekeeper Seaman Grace Geroche, a native of Iloilo City, Republic of the Philippines, returned home June 27 to assist the joint Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and U.S. Navy humanitarian efforts and console her family, who nearly lost their lives when Typhoon Fengshen struck the area. U.S. ambassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenney joined by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano, came aboard June 29, to receive a briefing on the continuing effort to assist victims of Typhoon Fengshen, and to thank Sailors for their support of AFP-led humanitarian efforts on the island of Panay. Ronald Reagan remained off the coast of Panay Island in the Sulu Sea providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen from 25 June to 3 July 2008, departing the Sulu Sea and the waters around the Philippine island of Panay, July 3, after assisting the Philippine government's humanitarian relief operation. Prior to the group's departure, senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) thanked the more than 40 members of the strike group's humanitarian assistance support team in a special ceremony. Underway on “WestPac” from 4 to 5 July 2008, Ronald Reagan pulled into Agana Harbor off the coast of Guam and visited from 6 to 9 July 2008. Underway on “WestPac” from 10 to 13 July 2008, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7, including four ships and more than 5,500 Sailors, arrived in Republic of Korea ports July 14 for routine port visits, with the the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) docking in Busan, while the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Howard (DDG 83) moored in the port city of Chinhae, visiting Busan, Republic of Korea from 14 to 17 July 2008, during which time the Pacific Fleet Sailor of the Year Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) Justin Melton was meritoriously promoted to chief petty officer (CPO) July 17 in a ceremony honoring the Navy's top performers. More than 5,500 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 and five ships departed two Republic of Korea ports July 18 after a routine port visit marked by numerous community service activities across the area. More than 240 strike group Sailors donated their off-duty time at orphanages, rehabilitation centers for the disabled and homes for the elderly July 15-16. Twenty Sailors from USS Howard (DDG 83) visited a children's home July 17 in Chinhae, Republic of Korea, with 25 Sailors from the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), continuing a decade-long tradition of U.S. Navy ships supporting the home.Underway in the East China Sea on 18 July 2008, resuming operations and “WestPac” from 19 to 27 July 2008. More than 5,500 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group 7 (CSG) and five ships arrived in Japan for a routine port visit July 28, while the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) stopped in Yokosuka, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) anchored in Fukuoka, while it was reported that one hundred-sixteen USS Thach Sailors scaled Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak, July 26 during the ship's port visit to Yokosuka, Japan. The storied 12,389-foot mountain is the legendary home of a fire god, a Shinto goddess of flowing trees and is also known as the home to a Buddhist god of wisdom. Japanese culture associates the peak to heaven because the mountain is revered for its enormous size. More than half of Thach's crew made the historic climb. More than 5,500 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group 7 (CSG) and five ships arrived in Japan for a routine port visit July 28; visiting Sasebo, Japan from 28 to 31 July 2008, four ships and more than 5,000 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group 7 (CSG) 7 departed Japan July 31 and August 1 after routine port visits marked by numerous displays of goodwill and community service throughout the country. While in Japan, more than 200 strike group Sailors volunteered their time and effort to help make a difference in various Japanese communities by participating in eight Community Relations (COMREL) projects at local high schools and orphanages.Uunderway on “WestPac” from 1 to 4 August 2008, Ronald Reagan operated in the South China Sea from 5 to 12 August 2008 and the Java Sea from 13 to 17 August 2008.Three ships and more than 5,500 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 arrived in Port Kelang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a routine port visit Aug. 18, accompanied with the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) pulled into Port Kelang, visiting Port Kelang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 18 to 21 August 2008, departing Malaysia Aug. 21 after routine port visits highlighted by displays of good will, community service and a variety of cultural tours. While in Kuala Lumpur, more than 200 strike group Sailors volunteered to help make a difference in several Malaysian communities by participating in eight community relations projects at local children's homes. Chief petty officer selectees from Ronald Reagan painted the Agathians Shelter Children's Home in Petaling Jaya, a neighboring city. Sailors also embarked on tours offered by morale, welfare and recreation. Several buses traveled to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, a shelter used to relocate elephants that disturb crops and farmland. Underway in the Indian Ocean from 21 to 27 August 2008, the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group assumed the duties as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 50 Aug. 28, and launched its first sorties into Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 departed the decks of the strike group’s flagship, bound for Afghanistan to support coalition ground forces. Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) relieved the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group on station who has operated in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), performing the CTF 50 mission for just over four months or since April. Other CSG-7 ships supported Maritime Security Operations (MSO) while deployed to the region. The guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101), as well as the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) joined Coalition Task Forces 152 and 150 help deter destabilizing activities and ensure a lawful maritime order in the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Gulf of Aden. “Abraham Lincoln and her Sailors performed incredibly well,” said Capt. Kenneth Norton, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “We received an outstanding turnover from Lincoln, and we’re here to provide the same high level of support to our coalition troops.” The squadrons of CVW-14 include the “Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, the “Fist of the Fleet” of VFA-25, the “Stingers” of VFA-113, the “Eagles” of VFA-115, the “Black Eagles” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the “Cougars” of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, and the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4. Underway in the North Arabian Sea from 28 August to 1 October 2008, during which time forty-two Sailors from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 and Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 7 entered the ranks of the chief petty officer (CPO) during a CPO pinning ceremony on the aircraft carrier's flight deck Sept. 16 and Rock singer Scott Stapp visited and performed a concert for Ronald Reagan Sailors Sept. 24, while the ship remained on station in the Gulf of Oman providing support for Operation Enduring Freedom. The concert, hosted by the ship's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) department, was held on the flight deck for the entire crew as part of a motivational 'thank you' to service members from Stapp and his band. Ronald Reagan made a port visit in the Middle East from 2 to 5 October 2008. More than 70 Sailors assigned to the Ronald Reagan and Carrier Air Wcng (CVW) 14 gathered on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier Oct. 13 to reaffirm their oath of enlistment during a mass re-enlistment ceremony. Approximately $2.4 million in Selective Re-enlistment Bonus' (SRB) were awarded to re-enlisting Sailors. The benefits are not taxable, as the ship is currently operating in the 5th Fleet area of operations, and combat zone tax exclusion applies. Sailors also received other perks, such as special liberty, 30 days of duty exemption and head-of-the-line privileges.U underway in the North Arabian Sea from 6 to 18 October 2008 and the Indian Ocean from 19 to 24 October 2008, visiting Port Kelang, Malaysia from 25 to 31 October 2008, during which time Commander Carrier Strike Group 7 (CCSG 7) held a change of command ceremony aboard Ronald Reagan Oct. 27. Rear Adm. Scott Hebner took command of CCSG 7 from Rear Adm. James P. Wisecup, who will take command as the president of the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 ships USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and USS Decatur (DDG 73) participated in a bilateral exercise with a Royal Thai Navy ship off the coast of Phuket, Thailand Nov. 1. Officers from the guided-missile cruiser Chancellorsville and the guided-missile destroyer Decatur carried out seamanship maneuvers with HTMS Chaopraya, the participating ship from Thailand's navy. Underway in the Western Pacific from 1 to 14 November 2008, concluding military operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) on the 14th. "The talented and dedicated Sailors of this strike group performed at the highest levels of excellence," said Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, commander of CSG-7. "I'm tremendously honored to sail with them all. U.S. Navy and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel coordinated efforts, forming an emergency response team to distribute immediate aid to stricken typhoon victims. Engineers from Ronald Reagan repaired two hospital generators, restoring electrical power. Air crews flew 332 sorties around Panay Island, delivering more than 519,000 pounds of vital supplies to typhoon victims.The strike group also participated in training exercise with key maritime partners. USS Howard participated in South East Asia Cooperation against Terrorism (SEACAT), training with the navies of Brunei, Singapore and the Republic of the Philippines in maritime security operations. Later, the strike group took part in Exercise Malabar 2008, a bilateral training exercise with the Indian Navy, improving the communications and coordination capabilities of the two navies as a dozen U.S. and Indian ships drilled in surface, air and subsurface training. Another key mission area for the Ronald Reagan Strike Group was engagement. While in 7th fleet, CSG-7 ships made port calls to Sasebo, Japan; Hong Kong; Busan, Republic of Korea; Guam; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Phuket, Thailand and Singapore. During the port visits, Sailors enjoyed tours, purchased souvenirs, tasted Asian cuisine and volunteered their time in various orphanages, schools and elderly care centers. "Ronald Reagan Sailors were models of ambassadorship at each and every stop we made. Our Sailors consider these port visits 'duty ashore' and performed these duties in an exemplary fashion, showing our friends around Asia the best America has to offer," said Capt. Kenneth Norton, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. Entering the U.S. 3rd Fleet Area of Responsibility, the ships of CSG-7 were underway in the Pacific from 15 to 16 November 2008, visiting Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 17 to 18 November 2008 and upon departure conducted Tiger Cruise en route to San Diego. Calif. from 19 to 24 November 2008, returning tto San Diego. Calif. on 25 November 2008. Her 4th deployment ended since her commission on what would be approximately the U. S. Navy's 792nd carrier FWFD. http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=12745#12745

The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is comprised of CCSG 7, CVW-14, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Gridley (DDG 101), USS Howard (DDG 83) and the guided missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) and the fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (TAOE 7).

The squadrons of CVW-14 include the "Redcocks" of VFA-22, "Fist of the Fleet" of VFA-25, "Stingers" of VFA-113, "Eagles" of VFA-115, "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, "Cougars" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 30 and the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.

The Status of the Navy does not reflect accurate accounting of U. S. Aircraft Carriers locations within oceans, seas or ports on a daily bases. Current Aircraft Carrier Location “Go Navy” accurately accounts for U. S. Aircraft Carrier Underway Periods, Deployments and locations but does not report daily.
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U. S. Navy Veteran
August 1977 to July 1983

Yoeman Second Class,
with student pilot's license