EQNEED - View topic - U. S. Aircraft Carrier Status –1 January to 1 July 2009 - U. S. AIRCRAFT CARRIER DEPLOYMENT HISTORY DATA BASE - Forum posting restricted. - Free Message Board Hosting by FreePowerBoards.com

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) underway in the Western Atlantic on 6 January 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) departed Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton to the Western Pacific as part of the Navy's Fleet Response Plan (FRP), stopping first at San Diego, Ca. to embark CVW 9, with Captain Joseph Kuzmick as the CO, on 13 January 2009, with Commander Rear Adm. Mark Vance, serving as Commander Carrier Strike Group Three (CCSG 3), and will join up with Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 to form the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) after embarking CVW-9 in San Diego, California, on her 5th Western Pacific deployment. She will participate in Alaska's premier joint training exercise "Northern Edge 2009" in the Gulf of Alaska operating with the 3rd and 7th Fleet. She will under go her Seventh deployment and approximately the U. S. Navy’s 796th FWFD.
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The deployment is part of the Navy's Fleet Response Plan (FRP), which is designed to allow the United States the ability to rapidly respond with flexible and sustainable force to any global commitment on short notice.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=41797
USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway in the Eastern Pacific on 15 January 2009.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) departed Everett for a scheduled workup off the coast of Southern California, underway in the Eastern Pacific on 15 January 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the Eastern Pacific from 13 to 15 January 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) visited San Diego, California to embark CVW- on 16 January 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) departed Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., Jan. 17 to continue its Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment after picking up Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 personnel and equipment.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=41932

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the Eastern Pacific on 17 January 2009.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) departed Everett for a scheduled workup off the coast of Southern California, underway in the Eastern Pacific from 15 to 19 January 2009.

The commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command visited USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (CVN 71) Jan. 19 as the Norfolk-based aircraft carrier conducted missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the Arabian Sea.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=41971

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) arrived San Diego, California on 20 January 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the North Arabian Sea on station from 28 December 2008 to 22 January 2009.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway in the Eastern Pacific conducting Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications off the coast of Southern California from 15 to 23 January 2009.

USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) underway in the Western Atlantic from 22 to 23 January 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the North Arabian Sea from 28 December to 22 January 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) made her third port visit in the Middle East to Jebel Ali, U.A.E from 23 to 26 January 2009.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) visited San Diego, California from 20 to 26 January 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) conducted Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) underway in the Western Atlantic from 6 to 27 January 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the North Arabian Sea on 27 January 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway off the coast of O'ahu, Hawaii from 26 to 28 January 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) returned to Norfolk, Va. 28 January 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway on “Westpac” on 29 January 2009.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) arrived San Diego on 7 August 2008 and stayed in San Diego from 7 to 27 August 2008, departing San Diego on 28 August 2008 for Bremerton where the ship will be decommissioned Thursday, Jan. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Bremerton, Wash., Naval Base Kitsap’s Pier D.

Five National Football League (NFL) players and five NFL cheerleaders visited USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) at sea in the Gulf of Oman Feb. 1 to help the forward-deployed crew celebrate Super Bowl XLIII.
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USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) off the coast of Southern California conducting Sustainment Exercise from 27 January to 5 February 2009, while Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, completed Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) recertification, Feb. 5, off the coast of San Clemente Island.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=42536

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) visited San Diego, California from 6 to 8 February 2009.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) underway in the Eastern Pacific from 9 to 10 February 2009.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) returned to Everett, Wa. on 11 February 2009.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) commenced sea trials in the Western Atlantic on 12 February 2009, entering Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth for a Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) in August 2008.

USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) conducted builder's sea trials from 13 to 15 February 2009.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) returned Feb. 14 after completing two days of sea trials following a nearly seven-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=42640

Truman completed her shipyard stay on schedule and on budget, returning to Norfolk with numerous repairs, improvements and upgrades to ship's systems and the shipboard environment.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the Western Pacific from 29 January to 16 February 2009.

USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) returned to Norfolk, Va. on 16 February 2009.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) departed Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, San Diego, California on 17 February 2009 to conduct Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications off the coast of Southern California.

Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 is also training instructor pilots to aid the transition from EA-6B Prowler to EA-18G Growler while underway with Ronald Reagan. This marks the first landing of VAQ 129's Growlers aboard an aircraft carrier.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=42668

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Sailors received word Feb. 17 the ship had won its second Battle E award, given to the most battle-ready carrier in the Pacific fleet.

In a message from Vice Adm. Thomas Kilcline, Jr., Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Ronald Reagan was named the top aircraft carrier for the Pacific Fleet, its second such designation in three years. Ronald Reagan won its first Battle E in 2006, its first year of eligibility. The award measures a carrier's battle readiness across all departmental areas, from the air department to the weapons department, and everything in between.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=42703

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) departed San Diego, Cailf. for Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) off the coast of Southern California on 18 February 2009.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) was awarded the East Coast Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") Award for 2008 Feb 18. The Battle Efficiency Award signifies the overall readiness of a command to carry out its assigned wartime tasks over a year-long evaluation.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=42886

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) visited Hong Kong from 17 to 20 February 2009.

“USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) with CVW-7 embarked departed Norfolk, Va. on 21 February 2009, with Captain Dee Mewbourne commanding and Commanded by Rear Adm. Kurt W. Tidd, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 8; for a regularly scheduled deployment in support of ongoing, worldwide operations, on her 11th Mediterranean Sea deployment (18th voyage) operating with the 6th Fleet and sixth Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) deployment, on her 2nd Operation Enduring Freedom and her 2nd Maritime Security Operations (MSO) on the US Navy’s 90th Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment since September 1945, operating with the 5th Fleet and Central Command. Ike will make her 13th Suez Canal transit on the U. S. Navy’s 129th carrier Suez Canal transit, from the Mediterranean Sea, her 18th voyage in the Med, entering the Red Sea on her tenth Red Sea voyage and upon return transited the northern passage of the Suez Canal from the Red Sea, making her 11th voyage (1st one on a deployment), on her 14th Suez Canal transit, entering the Mediterranean Sea, her 19th voyage in the Med, in which 9 were deployments on the U. S. Navy’s 130th Suez Canal transit. Her 17th deployment since her commission 18 October 1977, Captain William E. Ramsey in command and and approximately the U. S. Navy’s 797th carrier Foreign Water Fleet Deployment (FWFD)” (Ref. 44, 47, 72, 84A & 383).
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"We operate on the broad reaches of the seas to ensure that legitimate maritime traffic is able to operate and assure the free flow of commerce that all our economies depend upon," said Tidd.

The strike group completed a series of training exercises during its five-month, work-up cycle in preparation for deployment. The complex live and simulated training events crossed multiple warfare areas, testing carrier air wing and ship integration, communications systems, and use of national and coalition procedures.

After the series of scenarios at sea, the strike group participated in a four-day Fleet Synthetic Training-Joint Exercise (FST-J) which concluded on Feb. 5. FST-J is a synthetic exercise linking shipboard and land-based military units around the world in maritime security operations. The synthetic nature of the exercise helps maximize the Navy's live-training capabilities while also increasing participation from U.S. Navy assets not at sea and participation of allies and partners. Participants during CCSG 8's FST-J included the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), U.S. Air Force assets, shore-based U.S. Navy squadrons, and Sailors and naval units from France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

CCSG 8's diverse training opportunities enhanced the preparedness of the strike group to operate safely as a team and to work effectively with coalition partners.

"I am tremendously proud of the job that the men and women of the Eisenhower Strike Group are doing," said Tidd. "The training that we've received is the most realistic training that I've seen in my 30 years of naval service."

“Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Group is comprised of Commander Rear Adm. Kurt W. Tidd,, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 8 (CCSG 8), Carrier Air Wing CVW-7; the staff of Commodore Captain Mark Sedlacek, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 28 (CDS 28), with its assigned ships USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and USS Halyburton (FFG 40); the fast attack submarine USS Scranton (SSN 576); and the Mayport, Florida-based ships USS Vicksburg (CG 69) and USS Gettysburg (CG 64).

The squadrons of CVW-7 include the "Jolly Rogers" of VFA-103, "Rampagers" of VFA-83, "Stingers" of VFA-113, "Wildcats " of VFA-131, "Bluetails" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, "Patriots" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 140, "Rawhides" of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 40 and the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 5” (Ref. 72, 76, 84A & 373).
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=42832

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Sailors prepared for underway emergencies 21 February 2009, by conducting the first major general quarters (GQ) in more than eight months after a scheduled shipyard period and held flight operations for the first time on her deck in more than eight months.
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http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=42884

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the North Arabian Sea from 27 January to 24 February 2009.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) conducted Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications off the coast of Southern California from 17 to 25 February 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the Western Pacific from 21 to 26 February 2009.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) returned to San Diego, Ca. on 26 February 2009.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) conducting Carrier Qualifications in the Western Atlantic from 20 to 27 February 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) made a port visit in the Middle East to Jebel Ali, U.A.E from 25 to 28 February 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) underway in the Atlantic from 21 February to 1 March 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the North Arabian Sea on 1 March 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) visited Sasebo, Japan from 27 February to 2 March 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) underway in the Mediterranean Sea on 2 March 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the on “Westpac” on 3 March 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the East China Sea on …5 March 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) underway in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations on 10 March 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway on “Westpac” from 3 to 10 March 2009.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) departed San Diego, Ca. on 11 March 2009 to conduct sustainment exercise in the Eastern Pacific.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) conducted Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) off the coast of Southern California from 18 February to 13 March 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) visited Busan, Republic of Korea from 11 to 14 March 2009.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) returned to San Diego California on 14 March 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 2 to 14 March 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) transited the southern passage of the Suez Canal and entered the Red Sea on 15 March 2009, making the U. S. Navy’s 129th Suez Canal transit.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the Sea of Japan on 15 March 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) underway in the Red Sea from 15 to 16 March 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) underway in the Gulf of Aden on 17 March 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) underway in the Arabian Sea from 18 to 19 March 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) underway in the North Arabian Sea on 20 March 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) conducted first sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 21 March 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the Arabian Sea from 1 to 24 March 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the Sea of Japan from 15 to 20 March 2009.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) completed the onload of more than 1,800 tons of ammunition March 21, preparing the ship for upcoming work-up cycles and eventual deployment.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=43652

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway on “Westpac” on 21 March 2009.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) conducting Carrier Qualifications in the Western Atlantic from 10 to 22 March 2009.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) returned to Norfolk, Va. on 23 March 2009.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) conducted Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) off the coast of Southern California from 23 to 26 March 2009.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) conducted sustainment exercise (SUSTAINEX) in the Eastern Pacific from 11 to 25 March 2009, along with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the guided-missile destroyers USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101) and the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43).

SUSTAINEX is the last coordinated exercise involving the ships of Carrier Strike Group 7 prior to its upcoming deployment later this year.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=43786

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the Red Sea from 25 to 26 March 2009.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) returned to San Diego, Ca. on 26 March 2009.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) returned to San Diego, Ca. on 27 March 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) transited the Suez Canal (15th transit) and entered the Mediterranean Sea on 27 March 2009, making the U. S. Navy’s 130th Suez Canal transit.

Forty-eight years ago, USS Enterprise (CVN-65) pulled out of dry-dock number 11, Newport News Shipbuilding Company. March 27 Big “E” pulled out of number 11 dry-dock once more, possibly for the last time in her long career.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) departed Everett, Wa. on 30 March 2009.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) visited San Diego, California on 2 April 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 27 March 3 April 2009.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) underway in the Eastern Pacific on 3 April 2009.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) returned to Everett, Washington on 4 April 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the Atlantic on 4 April 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) anchored off Portsmouth, UK on 4 April 2009.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) departed to Everett, Washington on 6 April 2009.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) arrived Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Bremerton, Wa. on 6 April 2009.

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) departed Norfolk, Va. on 7 April 2009.

http://www.cnaf.navy.mil/content.aspx?PhotoID=1268
090407-N-5735P-067 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 7, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is underway from Naval Station Norfolk conducting acceptance trials and the Board of Inspections and Survey to test the ship's material conditions and readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st class Demetrius L. Patton/Released)

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) anchored off Portsmouth, UK from 4 to 8 April 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the Western Pacific from 21 March to 8 April 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the Atlantic on 9 April 2009.

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) acceptance sea trials underway off the Virginia Capes for acceptance sea trials from 7 to 9 April 2009.

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) returned to Norfolk, Va. on 9 April 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) arrived Laem Chabang, Thailand on 9 April 2009.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) off-loaded ordnance in preparation for a scheduled Planned Incremental Period (PIA) in the Eastern Pacific from 6 to 9 April 2009 in the Eastern Pacific.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) conducted first sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 21 March 2009, underway in the North Arabian Sea from 20 March to 11 April 2009.

Sailors from John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group visited Laem Chabang, Thailand, for a scheduled port visit from 9 to 12 April 2009.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44287

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) made a port visit in the Middle East on 12 April 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the Western Pacific 13 April 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) made a port visit in the Middle East from 12 to 15 April 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) underway in the North Arabian Sea from 16 April to 12 May 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the Atlantic from 9 to 17 April 2009.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) off the coast of Southern California from 15 to 17 April 2009.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) returned to San Diego, Ca. on 18 April 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) with CVW-8 embarked arrived Norfolk, Virginia 18 April 2009, with Captain Ladd Wheeler in command, Rear Adm. Frank Pandolfe, commander, Carrier Strike Group 2, TRCSG and more then 5,000 Sailors. Assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, TR transited to the Indian Ocean via a scheduled port call to Cape Town, South Africa, as part of an on-going effort to reinforce relationships, increase interoperability and address maritime issues, marking the first time in more than 40 years that a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier visited South Africa, and the first time a nuclear-powered vessel was permitted to visit the area. The last carrier to visit South Africa was USS Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1967. Completing her tenth Mediterranean Sea deployment (17th voyage) operating with the 6th Fleet, her 7th Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment on her 3rd Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), 2nd Maritime Security and Coalition Operations (MSO) and Aman 2009 in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) on the US Navy’s 89h Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment since September 1945 operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet. Underway in the Atlantic from 8 September to 3 October 2008, to break-up some of the monotony that can occur when underway, the Second Class Petty Officers Association (SCPOA) was there to give Theodore Roosevelt crew members opportunities to raise morale on 27 September 2008. Some of the ways the SCPOA helps maintain positive morale include the implementation of new activities. One of their most successful ventures has been open mic night, which is held weekly in the foc'sle. Open mic night is an event in which Sailors can sign up to perform music or spoken word. While on deployment half a world away conducting maritime security operations, Theodore Roosevelt Sailors stayed connected with their families through the United Through Reading program. Theodore Roosevelt and ships from the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TR CSG), assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, anchored off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa on 4 October 2008, while the cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) was pier side in Cape Town after arriving Oct. 3. The TR CSG ships hosted formal visits, regional security cooperative activities, military-to-military exchanges, and participate in a variety of community relations activities. Senior officers from the ships also conducted office calls with South African government and military leaders to discuss maritime safety and security. "The South African government has invited us to visit Cape Town, and we are grateful for the opportunity," said Rear Adm. Frank Pandolfe, commander of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. "We look forward to strengthening the relationship with the South African Navy." Theodore Roosevelt pulled anchor as it departed Cape Town, South Africa Oct. 7, after its three-day port visit to the area. Crew members were provided many opportunities to experience the culture and environment of South Africa. TR's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) organized several tours for the crew including wine tours, an African safari, a tour of Cape Point and hiking Table Mountain. "A total of 800 Sailors took MWR tours on Monday, Oct. 6, and we have gotten nothing but rave reviews from everyone that went on the trips," said Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate (AW) Bryan Neal, TR's MWR fun chief. "At the end of the day, we were able to accommodate Sailors by giving them the opportunity to see the country." TR was anchored in the harbor of Table Bay with the dramatic Table Mountain as its backdrop. Table Mountain is considered one of the most recognizable and most visited sites in the region. MWR provided bus rides and tickets to the crew so they could ride the cableway up the mountain and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. 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. Theodore Roosevelt and the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) operated with the South African Navy frigate SAS Isandlwana (F146), oiler SAS Drakensburg (A301), patrol boat SAS Isaac Dyobia (P1565), and the French Navy frigate FN Floreal (F730) for the multinational exercise in a variety of tactical exercises aimed at increasing coordination and interoperability. The TSC exercise consisted of tactical communications; coordinated ship handling maneuvers and an aerial photo shoot of the ships in formation, highlighting the growing interaction between the U.S. and South African navies. Sailors aboard Theodore Roosevelt celebrated the Navy's 233rd birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony Oct. 13. The chocolate birthday cake was ceremoniously cut by the eldest and youngest crew members. Underway in the North Arabian Sea from 16 October to 14 November 2008, during which time Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 15 held a change-of-command ceremony at sea Oct. 25 aboard the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. Cmdr. Fredrick R. Luchtman relieved Cmdr. Keith W. Hoskins as commanding officer of VFA 15, making a port visit in the Middle East from 15 to 18 November 2008, TR returned to the North Arabian Sea on station from 19 November to 23 December 2008, during which time a Sailor received a special visitor for Thanksgiving Nov. 27 while the ship was deployed in support of Operation Enduring freedom - her mother and hosted Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander, U.S. Central Command, Nov. 27-28, along with Commander 5th Fleet, Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with the crew. President Hamid Karzai, of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, made his first visit to a U.S. aircraft carrier aboard TR in December, making a port visit in the Middle East to Jebel Ali from 24 to 27 December 2008, TR returned to the North Arabian Sea on station from 28 December 2008 to 22 January 2009, the commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert embarked the ship along with dignitaries and military officials from South Africa, Dakar, Jordan, Egypt and England on 19 January 2009. Adm. Jonathan Greenert administered in a reenlistment on the ship's navigational bridge and addressed the crew over the ship's general announcement system to thank them for their service. Theodore Roosevelt made her third port visit in the Middle East from 23 to 26 January 2009, during which time two Sailors aboard Theodore Roosevelt will leave the ship in January to begin the transition to naval officers through the Seaman-to-Admiral-21 (STA-21) program announced on 21 January 2009. TR returned to North Arabian Sea on station from 27 January to 24 February 2009, during which time Five National Football League (NFL) players and five NFL cheerleaders visited Theodore Roosevelt at sea in the Gulf of Oman Feb. 1 to help the forward-deployed crew celebrate Super Bowl XLIII and ten first-term Sailors aboard Theodore Roosevelt, who worked, lived and advanced through the ranks together on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, have took the next step in their Navy careers by reenlisting together Feb. 6 for a combined Selective Reenlistment Bonus of $146,898.88, making a port visit in the Middle East to Jebel Ali from 25 to 28 February 2009, TR returned to North Arabian Sea on station from 1 to 20 March 2009, concluding North Arabian Sea operations, during which time Sailors from Theodore Roosevelt's Weapons Department reenlisted together March 6 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. TR's Commanding Officer, Capt. Ladd Wheeler conducted the mass reenlistment ceremony for 42 Sailors. TR and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 flew 3,105 sorties in support of OEF, with more than 61,000 pounds of ordnance dropped on target in support of coalition forces. "The dedication of the ship’s crew and naval aviators enabled TR to successfully complete its mission supporting Sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines on the ground in Afghanistan," said TR’s Commanding Officer Capt. Ladd Wheeler. "Sailors aboard TR set a high standard for themselves and the ship with their mission-focused mentality. TR has completed a deployment to be proud of.” Along with five months of combat operations, TR played host to a variety of distinguished visitors. The Pakistan multinational Naval Peace Exercise "Aman 09" took place in the north Arabian Sea off the southern port city of Karachi. U.S. forces will conduct the exercise March 5-14 alongside international navies, as part of regional Maritime Security Operations (MSO). Aman 2009 is designed to improve maritime security in the region, strengthen international partnerships and highlight the importance of maritime cooperation. U.S. ships participating in the exercise include Boutwell, Theodore Roosevelt, and USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), all assigned to the U.S. 5th Fleet. USCGC Boutwell (WHEC 719) departed Karachi, Pakistan, today after a four-day port visit to participate in the international naval exercise Aman 2009, marking the first time a U.S. Ship has pulled into Pakistan since May 2008. The 10-day exercise, which began March 5, will focus on air, surface and maritime security training, and include representatives from 38 countries as well as ships from 11 nations to include the U.S., UK, Pakistan and Australia. The at-sea portion of the exercise will primarily be conducted in the North Arabian Sea, off the coast of Pakistan. “This exercise provides U.S. and international forces the opportunity to work together and train across the spectrum of naval disciplines,” said Capt. Rick Williams, U.S. 5th Fleet Maritime Operations Center Director. “Aman 2009 will improve the interoperability and tactical proficiency between Coalition nations and enhance our navies’ effectiveness in supporting maritime security objectives.” During Aman 2009, ships will conduct surface exercises, air-defense training, explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) exercises and also participate in foreign officer exchanges. U.S. forces will conduct the exercise March 5-14 alongside international navies, as part of regional Maritime Security Operations (MSO). Aman 2009 is designed to improve maritime security in the region, strengthen international partnerships and highlight the importance of maritime cooperation. Pakistan is an integral member of the Combined Maritime Forces headquartered in Bahrain, and has commanded Combined Task Force 150 twice, most recently from November 2007 through February 2008. They are also an important regional partner and play an important role in helping provide security and stability to the region. MSO enhance stability in the maritime environment, which promotes global prosperity. These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or illicit material. USCGS Boutwell Captain K J Cavanaugh said, “The interaction with Pakistan Navy as well as other navies was very beneficial for all of us. Theodore Roosevelt underway in the Arabian Sea from 21 to 24 March 2009, TR operated in the Red Sea from 25 to 26 March 2009, her 13thGulf of Aden voyage en route from the Arabian Gulf to the Red Sea, transiting the Suez Canal (15th transit) 27 March, on the U. S. Navy’s 130th Suez Canal transit, entering the Mediterranean Sea nearing the end of her deployment. More than 300 distinguished visitors from nine different countries visited TR during this deployment, making her tenth Mediterranean Sea deployment (18th voyage) operating with the 6th Fleet. TR Sailors gave back to the international community by participating in seven community relations projects with 324 volunteers, contributing 88 hours to various communities the ship’s crew visited. TR Sailors announced Jan. 9 they donated more than $185,000 to various charities through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) in 2008. Sailors assigned to Theodore Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 competed in a 'Warriors for Warriors' flight deck relay-marathon aboard the deployed carrier March 28, raising more than $20,000 to benefit two veteran support groups. The deployment also saw the crew “staying Navy”, with 427 Sailors reenlisting and earning more than $11 million in selective reenlistment bonuses. Other achievements included 980 Sailors completing 63 college classes, and congratulating more than 140 new dads. Mail, both electronic and the traditional kind, were in high demand, with more than 8.7 million e-mails processed, and 635,001 pounds of U.S. mail sent out, and 87,986 pounds delivered to the ship. The total distance steamed during deployment was 67,000 miles, or nearly three times around the circumference of the globe. Electrical power generated during deployment totaled more than 63,500 megawatts of power, enough to power more than 2.8 billion 60-watt light bulbs 24 hours-a-day. Fresh water produced totaled more than 45 million gallons, which would be equal to a water bill of more than $139,000. Wheeler said the returning Sailors have earned some well-deserved time off from the 222 days deployed. "Homecoming is an incredible experience that the crew will remember for a long time to come. The atmosphere is a culmination of emotions for the hard working Sailors and the families who have provided so much support," he said. “Having thousands of friends and family members awaiting them on the pier is a moment they will never forget.” TR's Fleet Hometown News (FHTN) Program is a program that allows the stories of its Sailors to be told back home. Some Sailors aboard Theodore Roosevelt were serving in the Air department as temporarily assigned duty (TAD) personnel. The number was expected to reach more than 50 by the end of TR's current deployment. The TAD Sailors come from three Virginia-based carriers not currently deployed: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77). The Sailors served aboard TR to learn the necessary qualifications to take back to their individual ships. Underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 27 March to 3 April 2009, entering the Atlantic on 4 April 2009, anchoring off Portsmouth, UK, Theodore Roosevelt and USS Sullivans (DDG 68) visited Portsmouth, England, April 4-8 as the ships completed their final port visits before returning to homeport, departing for home, underway in the Atlantic from 9 to 17 April 2009, arriving home on 18 April 2009. Visited Cape Town, South Africa, Jebel Ali twice, U.A.E and Portsmouth, UK. Her eleventh deployment (8 September 2008 to 18 April 2009) ended since her commission at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., Newport News, Virginia on 25 October 1986 and approximately the US Navy’s 794th carrier Foreign Water Fleet Deployment (FWFD).
http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/owcommandpost-about2049.html

TR deployed with embarked Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2 Commanded by Rear Admiral Frank Pandolfe, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22. Other TRCSG assets include the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61); the guided missile destroyers USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94); the attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761); and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 3), FS Améthyste (S 605) and NE Greenhalgh (F 46).” (Ref. 84A & 681D). http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39754

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) underway off the coast of Southern California conducting Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications from 16 to 20 April 2009.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) departed Norfolk, Virginia on or before 20 April 2009.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Western Atlantic conducting Tailored Ships Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Phase (FEP) commencing 20 April 2009.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44530

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) returned to San Diego, Ca. on 21 April 2009.

Vietnamese Ministry of Defense staff visited the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) on 22 April 2009, marking the first visit by members of the Vietnamese military to a U.S. aircraft carrier.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44660

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the Western Pacific from 13 to 23 April 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) arrived Changi Naval Base, Singapore on 24 April 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) visited Changi Naval Base, Singapore on 24 to 27 April 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) underway in the Western Pacific on 28 April 2009.

As USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) prepares to become a 3rd Fleet asset, the commander of U.S. 3rd Fleet paid a visit to "Gold Eagle" and her crew April 29, 2009.

090504-N-1644H-155 YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 4, 2009) Master-at-Arms Seaman Katelyn Emenhiser stands Harbor Security watch for USS George Washington (CVN-73). George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier, is currently preparing for underway operations following its first Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class John M. Hageman/Released).
http://www.news.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=71317

USS George Washington (CVN-73), with its crew of approximately 3,200 Sailors, departed from its forward-deployed homeport in Yokosuka, Japan, May 6, 2009 for sea trials and carrier qualifications in the Western Pacific after successfully completing its first Selective Restricted Availability (SRA).

Commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, George Washington is the flagship for the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin Donegan and comprised of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5; Destroyer Squadron 15 and the guided missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63).
http://www.cnaf.navy.mil/default.asp?PressReleaseID=53873

090506-N-6233C-096 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 6, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) drops her port anchor during an anchor test. George Washington is underway conducting sea trials after completing a Selected Restricted Availability at Fleet Activities Yokosuka. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Rachel N. Clayton/Released).
http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=71400

USS George Washington (CVN-73) Sailors left Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, for sea trials May 6, 2009 only to find themselves dropping anchor hours later.

http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45150

090507-N-6233C-031 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 7, 2009) Sailors validate the shipboard firefighting system during an Aqueous Film Forming Foam system test on the flight deck aboard of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) to qualify the flight deck for operations. George Washington is conducting sea trials and carrier qualifications in the western Pacific Ocean following its first Selected Restricted Availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Rachel N. Clayton/Released) http://www.news.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=71445

Commander Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 10 received a new commander during a change-of-command ceremony held in the hangar bay aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) May 8, 2009

Rear. Adm. Patrick Driscoll relieved Rear Adm. Mark Fox as CCSG 10 commanding officer.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45168

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Western Atlantic conducting Tailored Ships Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Phase (FEP) from 20 April to 8 May 2009. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44530

USS George Washington (CVN 73) Sailors sprayed the ship's flight deck and hangar bay with the fire-fighting solution Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) May 8, 2009.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45153

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) returned to Norfolk, Virginia on 9 May 2009.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transited the James River en route to a pier-side dock after completing an 18-month dry dock period at Northrop Grumman Newport News on 9 May 2009.

The U. S. Navy took delivery of USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding on 11 May 2009.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) commenced Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) off the coast of Southern California on 12 May 2009.

USS George Washington (CVN 73) conducted sea trials and Carrier Qualifications off the coast of Japan from 6 to 12 May 2009.

The vice president and his wife visited USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) on 14 May 2009 as part of a familiarization tour of naval facilities in the San Diego area.

During his visit, Vice President Joe Biden commented on the Ronald Reagan Strike Group's successful 2008 deployment, which included humanitarian assistance in the Philippines and combat operations in Afghanistan.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45294

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) underway in the North Arabian Sea from 16 April to 15 May 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) arrived Manama, Bahrain on 16 May 2009.

http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=71787

090517-N-6604E-030 ARABIAN SEA (May 17, 2009) Capt. Ted R. Williams, executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), welcomes the King of Bahrain, His Majesty the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to Dwight D. Eisenhower during an historic port visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Dwight D. Eisenhower is the first Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to dock at the newly-completed Khalifa bin Salman Port. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility as part of a scheduled deployment supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom as well as maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bradley Evans/Released). http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=71787

The U.S. ambassador to Bahrain and the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command cohosted a reception aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) on 17 May 2009 during the carrier's historic pierside port visit.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45436

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) commenced ammunition off-load off the coast of Virginia on 18 May 2009.

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) departed Norfolk, Virginia on 18 May 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) visited Manama, Bahrain from 16 to 19 May 2009.

USS George Washington (CVN-73), with nearly 5,000 Sailors, departed its forward-deployed port of Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka 20 May 2009 to conduct Combat Operations Efficiency (COE) evaluation and advanced cyclic flight operations in preparation for scheduled summer deployment.. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45448

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) underway in the North Arabian Sea on 20 May 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) off-loaded ammunition off the coast of Virginia from 18 to 21 May 2009.

USS George Washington (CVN-73) underway off the coast of Japan from 20 to 22 May 2009, conducting Combat Operations Efficiency (COE) evaluation and advanced cyclic flight operations in preparation for scheduled summer deployment from 20 to 22 May 2009.

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 22, 2009) Supply Department personnel sort out boxes of mail and supplies during a carrier onboard delivery (COD), in the hangar bay of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68). Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of Southern California in preparation of a scheduled Western Pacific Deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Heil/Released

Photo Galery
http://www.nimitz.navy.mil/photo.html

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 23, 2009) Sailors aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) bow their heads during a prayer while a memorial service is conducted in the hangar bay. The memorial service was held in remembrance of the five crewmembers, assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS 6), who died when their HH-60H Seahawk crashed into the Pacific Ocean while conducting training operations during Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of Southern California in preparation of a scheduled Western Pacific Deployment.

Sipmates:

Naval Air Crewman 3rdClass (AW/NAC) Sean M. Ward, 20 of Lovelock, Nev; Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Aaron L. Clingman, 25 of Bend, Ore;
Naval Air Crewman 1st Class (AW/NAC) Samuel “Grant” Kerslake, 41 of Hot Springs, Ak. Lt. Allison M. Oubre, 27 of Slidell, La. and Lt. Cmdr. Eric J. Purvis, 37 of Poway, Calif.

USS George Washington (CVN-73) underway in the Western Pacific on 23 May 2009.

Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 joined the ranks of a select group of naval aviators May 23, 2009 when he made his 1000th carrier arrested landing, or "trap," on the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN-73).

"I was very humbled," said Capt. Michael S. White. "The privilege of getting 1,000 traps is a testament to our Sailors professionalism and the way they do their jobs right every day." http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45615

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) underway in the Western Pacific from 28 April to 25 May 2009.

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) conducted flight deck certification off the coast of Virginia, Virginia from 18 to 26 May 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) transited the underway in the Western Pacific to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 26 to 27 May 2009.

“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 departed San Diego, Calif. on 28 May 2009, as hundreds of friends and family members gathered pierside, with Captain Kenneth J. Norton commanding, who assumed command May 2, 2008; on her fourth “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, possibly her 3rd Operation Enduring Freedom, 3rd Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and who knows maybe her 2nd Operation Iraqi Freedom, on most likely the U. S. Navy’s 91st Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment since September 1945 operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet, while her third deployment she underwent her 2nd Operation Enduring Freedom and 2ndMaritime Security Operations (MSO) deployment on the U. S. Navy’s 88th Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment from 19 May to 25 November 2008. She will under go her fourth deployment since her commission having completed an underway period off the coast of Southern California from 26 March to 21 April 2009, conducting Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications from 16 to 20 April 2009; preceded by sustainment exercise (SUSTAINEX) in the Eastern Pacific from 11 to 25 March 2009, along with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the guided-missile destroyers USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101) and the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43). SUSTAINEX is the last coordinated exercise involving the ships of Carrier Strike Group 7 prior to its upcoming deployment later this year, returning to San Diego, Ca. on 26 March 2009. Prior to March Ronald Regan conducted Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications off the coast of Southern California from 17 to 25 February 2009, returning to San Diego, Ca. on 26 February 2009. Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 also trained instructor pilots to aid the transition from EA-6B Prowler to EA-18G Growler while underway with Ronald Reagan. This marks the first landing of VAQ 129's Growlers aboard an aircraft carrier. The carrier joins the other ships of its strike group which departed the day prior. She will under go her fourth deployment since her first deployment during “Summer Pulse 04” when departed Norfolk, Virginia on an inner fleet transfer from the east coast, arriving at her new homeport in San Diego, California 23 July 2004, operating with the Pacific Fleet, ending her Western & Southern Atlantic and Southern & Eastern Pacific deployment around the Cape Horn operating with the United States Atlantic Command (Atlantic Fleet) under the direction of the 2nd Fleet on an inner fleet transfer from the east coast stationed at Norfolk, Virginia and Summer Pulse 04 and Homeport change. Underway in the Western Atlantic from 27 May to 3 June 2004 and the Southern Atlantic from 4 to 8 June 2004, Captain James Symonds presented the flag that draped the former President Reagan’s casket, which was also the one that flew over Capitol Hill on January 20, 1981, when the president was inaugurated, to Mrs. Reagan, as well as the flag that flew over the Ronald Reagan when the former president died on 5 June 2004, eleven months after the commissioning of Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan departed San Diego, California to participate in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-5 off the coast of Southern California commencing on 11 April to 21 April 2008, returning to San Diego, California on the 22nd , the exercise is designed to be a realistic exercise in real-world operations and the operational challenges faced by U.S. forces in cooperation with coalition militaries and was the final step in preparing the Ronald Reagan Strike Group for its third deployment and tested the group's ability to plan and execute the Navy's Maritime Strategy alongside other U.S. and coalition forces in complex, hostile warfighting environments. "JTFEX is a graduate-level exercise to ensure Ronald Reagan and Carrier Air Wing 14 will be ready to take the fight to our enemies when called upon," said Capt. Terry Kraft, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer at that time. Ronald Reagan completed Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-5 off the coast of Southern California from 11 to 21 April 2008, returning to San Diego, California 22 April 2008. Ronald Reagan conducted Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of Southern California from 17 March to 7 April 2008; conducted Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRSCQ) off the coast of Southern California from 9 to 12 March 2008, returning to San Diego, Calif.; underway in the Eastern Pacific from 10 to 14 February 2008, returning to San Diego, Calif.; underway in the Eastern Pacific from 8 to 10 January 2008, visited Santa Barbara from 11 to 13 January 2008, underway in the Eastern Pacific 14 January 2008, returned to San Diego, Calif. on 15 January 2008; conducted Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) off the coast of Southern California from 27 November to 17 December 2007, returning to San Diego, California 18 December 2007; conducted "Friends and Family Day Cruise" on 11 November 2007; conducted flight deck certification in the Eastern Pacific from 5 to 8 November 2007. She will undergo her fourth deployment since her commission and approximately the U. S. Navy’s 798th Foreign Water Fleet Deployment (FWFD)” (Ref. 72, 76, 84A & 373). http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=13085

"I'm proud of these Sailors, and I'm proud of their families - proud of their commitment, their excellence and their dedicated service," said Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, commander, Carrier Strike Group 7. "They understand the importance of their mission and the challenges ahead of them - they have worked hard, and they are ready” (Ref. 72, 76, 84A & 373).
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45759

The vice president and his wife visited USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) May 14 as part of a familiarization tour of naval facilities in the San Diego area.

This deployment will be the fourth for the San Diego-based Ronald Reagan, which recently received its second Battle "E" award for being the most combat-efficient carrier in the Pacific Fleet. Ronald Reagan CVW 14 also received the "Ramage" award for most efficient carrier air-wing team in the entire Navy.

During its last deployment, the Ronald Reagan CSG performed a humanitarian assistance mission, supporting the armed forces of the Philippines, delivering more than 519,000 pounds of fresh water, rice and medical supplies to people affected by Typhoon Fengshen. Additionally, CVW-14, staging from Ronald Reagan in the Gulf of Oman, flew more than 1,150 combat sorties in support of coalition troops in Afghanistan, while the ships of COMDESRON 7 supported maritime security in the 5th Fleet area of operations.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45579

“The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is comprised of Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Seven (CCSG 7), CVW-14, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 (CDS 7) , the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), which include the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101), and the guided missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43). A detachment from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11 will also be embarked aboard the carrier.

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” (Ref. 72, 76, 84A & 373).
USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) underway off the coast of Virginia from 27 to 29 May 2009.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) held a grand opening ceremony of flight deck readiness on 28 May 2009.

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) returned to Norfolk, Virginia on 30 May 2009 upon completion of flight deck certification off the coast of Virginia from 18 to 26 May 2009 during which time the aircraft and personnel of CVW-1 and VX-23 completed 695 catapult launches and arrested landings while underway from 18 to 29 May 2009.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) conducted Friends and Family Day Cruise on 30 May 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 28 to 31 May 2009.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) departed Norfolk, Virginia on 1 June 2009.

Carrier Strike Group 10 (CSG-10) is made up of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), with its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) and embarked Destroyer Squadron 26 (CDS-26), guided missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG-66); guided-missile destroyers USS Carney (DDG-64), USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81); attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN-714); and independently participating frigates USS Stephen S. Groves (FFG-29) and USS McInerney (FFG-8).

CVW-3 consists of Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 32, 37 and 105; Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312; Electronic Attack Squadron 130; Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126; Carrier Logistics Support Squadron 40; and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=46877

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) departed Norfolk, Virginia on 1 June 2009.

USS George Washington (CVN-73) completed Combat Operations Efficiency (COE) evaluation on 2 June 2009 while underway in the Western Pacific from 23 May to 2 June 2009.

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) underway in the Western Atlantic from 1 to 2 June 2009.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) conducted Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) off the coast of Southern California from 12 May to 4 June 2009.

USS George Washington (CVN-73) underway off the coast of Japan from 3 to 4 June 2009.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) underway in the Eastern Pacific from 28 May to 5 June 2009.

USS George Washington (CVN-73) returned to Yokosuka, Japan on 5 June 2009 upon completion of Combat Operations Efficiency (COE) evaluation and advanced cyclic flight operations in preparation for scheduled summer deployment off the coast of Japan.

The USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group paid homage to veterans of the Battle of Midway and WWII in a special burial at sea ceremony in the Central Pacific June 6.

The crew of the guided missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43), a ship named after Battle of Midway hero Adm. Jimmy Thach, performed a burial at sea for retired Cmdr. Dale "Abe" Simmons, one of Thachs' former wingmen.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) transport and allocate live ordnance to Weapons department on 6 June 2009.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 6 to 7 June 2009.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) underway in the Eastern Pacific on 8 June 2009.

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) conducting Carrier Qualifications for CNATRA
off the coast of Florida from 3 to 8 June 2009.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Western Atlantic from 1 to 8 June 2009.

http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=72463
090608-N-3659B-166 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 8, 2009) - USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) steams through the Pacific Ocean while performing normal carrier operations. Ronald Reagan is on a routine deployment in the Western Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac/Released)
http://www.news.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=72463

The six ships of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group crossed the international date line June 9, entering the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

The strike group is made up of the flagship, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76); embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14; 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). The strike group entered the theatre after successful training in the 3rd Fleet (Eastern Pacific) area of responsibility.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) commenced Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in the Western Atlantic on 9 June 2009.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) crossed the International Date Line, entered the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility underway in the Western Pacific on 9 June 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) underway in the Pacific from 1 to 9 June 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) underway in the North Arabian Sea from 20 May to 9 June 2009.

USS George Washington (CVN-73) departed its forward-deployed operating port of Yokosuka, Japan on her second deployment as a forward-deployed carrier on 10 June 2009 for her Summer Underway period where she will participate in Talisman Saber 09 (TS09). Her 11th deployment since her commission on the East Coast on 4 July 1992 and approximately the U.S. Navy's 799th carrier FWFD. http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=13086

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).

http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=41041
CVW 5, commanded by Capt. Michael S. White, includes four F/A-18 Strike Fighter squadrons (VFA): the "Royal Maces" of VFA-27, the "Diamondbacks of VFA-102, the "Golden Dragons" of VFA-192 and the "Dambusters" of VFA-195. It also features Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115 "Liberty Bells," Carrier Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 136 "Gauntlets," Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 14 "Chargers," as well as detachments from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 "Providers" and Light Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HSL) 51 "Warlords." http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=46112

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) made a port visit at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 10 to 11 June 2009.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) made a port visit in the Middle East from 11 to 14 June 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) underway in the Pacific from 11 to 14 June 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) commenced Alaska's premier joint training exercise "Northern Edge 2009" in the Gulf of Alaska on 15 June 2009. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=46241

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) underway in the Western Pacific from 9 to 17 June 2009.

Command individual augmentee (IA) coordinators aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) provided training on the IA and Global War on Terror (GWOT) Support Assignment (GSA) experience for Sailors on 20 June 2009. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=46459

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) commemorated the one-year anniversary of Typhoon Fengshen relief efforts, while transiting the Sulu Sea near the Republic of the Philippines June 21. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=46413

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin visited USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), where she met crew members and thanked them for their service, June 22.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=46495

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) underway in the Philippine Sea from 19 to 23 June 2009.

Two ships and more than 5,000 Sailors from the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) arrived in Changi Naval Base, Singapore on 24 June 2009.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=46479

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) participated in Alaska's premier joint training exercise
"Northern Edge 2009" in the Gulf of Alaska from 15 to 26 June 2009. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=46241

http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=73414
090626-N-4774B-048 SINGAPORE (June 26, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) are moored pier side while a Singapore coast guard vessel patrols the area. Ronald Reagan and Chancellorsville are in Singapore for a scheduled port visit. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released) http://www.news.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=73414

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underwent replenishment at sea (RAS) with USNS Laramie (T-AO-203) during her current underway for composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) on 27 June 2009.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=46688

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) made a port visit at Changi Naval Base, Singapore from 24 to 27 June 2009.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) departed Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard on 28 June 2009.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) departed Changi Naval Base, Singapore on 28 June 2009 and passed through the Strait of Malacca.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) and Carrier Strike Group 10 conducted an air defense exercise (ADEX), one part of their composite training unit exercise on 29 June 2009.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=46687

In addition to protecting and accompanying USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), the other ships in Truman Strike Group have the duty of inspecting suspicious vessels with highly trained Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) teams.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=46694

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) underway in the Pacific from 27 to 29 June 2009.

The "Yellow Jackets" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 completed their 2009 Western Pacific deployment when USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) pulled into Naval Station Everett, Wash., June 29.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=46661

USS George Washington (CVN-73) underway in the Western Pacific from 10 June to 1 July 2009.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) made a port visit at Everett, Washington from 30 June to 1 July 2009 in order to pick up those who wanted to be a part of the Tiger Cruise, en route to San Diego, California where CVW-9 will be off loaded prior to returning Bremerton.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=46730

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) departed Everett, Washington on 1 July 2009 with more than 1,000 of the crew's family and friends aboard for a Tiger Cruise, en route to San Diego, California where CVW-9 will be off loaded prior to returning Bremerton.
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U. S. Navy Veteran
August 1977 to July 1983

Yoeman Second Class,
with student pilot's license