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USS Ronald Reagan Moves one Step Closer to Fleet Readiness

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS041109-17
Release Date: 11/9/2004 10:02:00 PM
 

By Journalist 3rd Class Stephanie Senn, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) got under way Nov. 6, the first time since arriving at its new homeport of San Diego in July.

The ship has been in a maintenance availability period since its arrival to have repairs done and to upgrade work centers that weren't completed while the ship was in Norfolk, Va.

"After a two-month availability, we have to go on a post-availability shakedown cruise to check the ship's systems," said Lt. Cmdr. Charles Sweeney, Operations administration officer. "We're out here to make sure everything works properly."

The ship has a rigorous schedule in the coming months. With flight deck certifications and reactor drills still on the horizon, Sailors can expect more at-sea time to prepare the Navy's newest mobile combat airport.

Cmdr. Thomas Quinn, the ship's Air Boss, said everyone in Air department has been working hard to prepare for flight deck certifications, which will take place soon.

"With all the new Sailors on board, the experience level has decreased, but we're doing plenty of training, and everyone is doing well," said Quinn, who served as "mini" Air Boss during the homeport change. "Once we get our flight deck certification, USS Ronald Reagan will be a fully operational carrier."

Sweeney said that, unlike Ronald Reagan's other underway periods, the ship didn't go to sea just for testing.

"We need the practice. This is the first time we've really had a chance to train with all the systems up and running since arriving in San Diego," said Sweeney. "We haven't been here very long, and we've only pulled into the bay once. We have to get used to different procedures."

Ronald Reagan Sailors will be out to sea quite a bit in the coming months, but all the practice leads to one thing: the ability to deploy in accordance with the Fleet Response Plan and live up to the ship's motto of "Peace through Strength."