Family and friends greet Sailors aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) as it arrives at its new homeport on Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton

Family and friends greet Sailors aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) as it arrives at its new homeport on Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton

By PSNS & IMF Public Affairs

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) arrived at its new homeport, Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, Aug. 13, after serving as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan, since 2015. During that period, Ronald Reagan primarily conducted operations in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility, maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

"I am incredibly proud of our crew and the work they've accomplished in our time as the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier," said Capt. Daryle Cardone, commanding officer, USS Ronald Reagan. "They were asked to perform at the highest level and exceeded those expectations. Now we are looking forward to making upgrades to the ship, and even more well-deserved time stateside for the crew."

Ronald Reagan will now begin preparations for an estimated 17-month Docking Planned Incremental Availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, which is scheduled to begin in March 2025, said Rex Landaker, project engineering and planning manager, Code 312, Carrier Program. The early work will include moving ship's force personnel to their living barge, clearing the aircraft carrier's storage spaces, performing inspections and preparing the ship's rudder post for removal.

"[Ronald Reagan] has been the forward-deployed carrier for close to a decade. Their focus for the next few months prior to the availability will be looking for housing, relocating family members and integrating into the local community. That takes time and effort and the majority of the Sailors' attention," Landaker said. "These are real life factors that can affect the mental and emotional well-being of the Sailor. The project team is aware of this unique challenge and is committed to supporting our partners throughout the transition."

Before departing for its new homeport, Ronald Reagan conducted a hull swap with USS George Washington (CVN 73) at Naval Base San Diego.

As part of the transition, the embarked Air Wing and staffs, including Task Force 70, Carrier Air Wing 5, and Destroyer Squadron 15 transferred to George Washington, along with approximately 350 Sailors from Ronald Reagan. The cross-decked Sailors and their vast operational experience will help ease George Washington's transition as the new forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

"Even though Ronald Reagan's time in 7th Fleet is over, we are still in the fight," said Cardone. "Everything we accomplished while forward-deployed carries over as we continue to improve the ship and prepare the crew for Ronald Reagan's next chapter."

As preparations for Ronald Reagan's upcoming DPIA get underway, the project team's ability to work with ship's force will be integral to that process.

"Ship's force is one of the most critical partners of the project team. No project team will be successful without a fully engaged ship's force," Landaker said. "Contractor work integrated into the master integrated schedule will be the key to ensure we are working to the right priority and show accurate indication of work in progress and impact to future milestones and key events."

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Public Affairs contributed to this story.