USS Ronald Reagan returns to Yokosuka after three-month stint

After spending three months on patrol in the Indo-Asia Pacific region, US Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and ships from its carrier strike group returned to Yokosuka on December 4.

While on patrol, CSG 5 was comprised of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, the Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 staff, and the guided-missile destroyers USS Stethem (DDG 63), USS Mustin (DDG 89) and USS Chafee (DDG 90).

“The team executed an impressive range of operations, including bringing three strike groups together, and I’m proud of the dedication and professionalism that Carrier Strike Group 5 demonstrated throughout,” said Rear Adm. Marc Dalton, commander, Task Force 70. “We are all very excited to return home to enjoy the holidays with our friends and loved ones.”

During the patrol, CSG 5 participated in Maritime Counter Special Operations Forces (MCSOF) Exercise 2017, a combined joint operation and exercise with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy, US Seventh Fleet, the ROK Air Force, US Pacific Air Forces’ 7th Air Force and US Eighth Army, for the purpose of continuing the United States’ national policy and commitment to the US – ROK alliance and the region.

While on patrol, Reagan also teamed up with USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) for a rare three carrier strike group exercise off the Korean peninsula.

The carrier strike force conducted air defense drills, sea surveillance, replenishments-at-sea, defensive air combat training, close-in coordinated maneuvers and other training. This was the first time that three carrier strike groups have operated together in the Western Pacific since exercises Valiant Shield 2006 and 2007 off the coast of Guam.

Finally, CSG 5 participated in Annual Exercise 2017 (AE 17) a bilateral maritime field training exercise involving the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and US Navy.