YOKOSUKA, Japan, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan arrived in Yokosuka, Japan, on Thursday for security support in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is currently the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, and the fifth carrier deployed to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. The fleet is the largest of all the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed fleets, with 60 to 70 ships, 150 to 200 aircraft, and around 40,000 Navy and Marine Corps personnel. The fleet has operational command of all naval forces in the region, and is tasked with providing natural disaster support and defense of the Korean Peninsula.
The ship departed from Naval Base North Island in Coronado, Calif., following a hull swap with Nimitz-class carrier USS George Washington in August. While traveling to Yokosuka, Ronald Reagan completed a blue water certification, replenishment at sea, and several medical and damage control training exercises.
Rear Adm. John Alexander commands the Battle Force for the 7th Fleet, and says CVN-76's arrival is part of the U.S. Navy's commitment to the security of Japan.
"Deploying our most capable units forward enhances the Navy's ability to contribute to the defense of Japan and meet our commitments under the terms of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the United States of America," Alexander said.
