The forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), along with supporting Commander Task Force 70 units, began underway operations in the Indo-Pacific, May 22.
Ronald Reagan and CTF 70 units routinely operate in the Indo-Pacific to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region. For over 70 years, U.S. Pacific Fleet forces have been present and ready to respond in the Western Pacific to any contingency on behalf of friends, partners and allies.
Throughout the year CTF 70’s forward-deployed forces participate in cooperative deployments, multi-lateral exercises and unit level training to ensure the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific.
“Reagan Sailors worked hard to complete the most successful maintenance period the ship has ever seen,” said Capt. Pat Hannifin, Ronald Reagan’s Commanding Officer. “Reagan returns to the sea more lethal than ever, visibly renewing U.S. commitment to international norms in a free and open Indo-Pacific. We value our allies and partners in the region and are excited to support them again with our air wing and strike group from the sea.”
Ronald Reagan recently completed an extensive maintenance period which repaired and upgraded ship’s systems increasing the ship’s warfighting capabilities. As the only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, the ongoing presence of Ronald Reagan demonstrates the continued long-term U.S. investment in the Indo-Pacific. Ronald Reagan forward-deployed to the Indo-Pacific from San Diego in the fall of 2015 and replaced the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).
