Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visited Sailors and Marines aboard aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) to thank the crew for their hard work while operating in the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR), June 15.
Vice Adm. Mark Fox , Commander, U.S. 5th fleet toured the ship, visited with crew members and expressed his gratitude during an all-hands call in the hangar bay, praising them for their efforts in providing support for Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.
“You’ve done incredible things, from humanitarian assistance, all the way to high end combat operations,” said Fox. “Every time there’s a crisis anywhere in the world, do you know what one of the first questions on the President’s lips is? Where are the carriers?”
Fox emphasized how important the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is to the overall success of the mission.
“You are conducting operations to support our troops on the ground every single day from the flight deck of this ship,” he said. “I am truly impressed with the way that the entire CSG has conducted its operation; you guys have been hitting it out of the ballpark.”
Fox spent a portion of his visit touring squadron ready rooms and talking with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 pilots and crew, remarking that visits, such as these give him the opportunity to meet some of the 27,000 Sailors operating in the region.
“It was great to actually meet him and it’s fantastic that he’s out here to come see all of us,” said A viation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Jeremiah Hauss.
Before departing, Fox left an important message with the crew.
“You’ve got a lot of hard work ahead so keep your eye on the ball and keep up the great work. I appreciate it,” said Fox. “Thank you for your service, and thank you for your excellence.”
Ronald Reagan CSG is comprised of Ronald Reagan, guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, which includes guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88). Embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 includes the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, the “Argonauts” of VFA-147, the “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146, the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, the “Black Eagles” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the “Cougars” of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, the “Providers” of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 and the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4. [mappress] Source: navy, June 22, 2011;