USS Ronald Reagan Bids Farewell to Norfolk

[SparrowHawk62]

USS Ronald Reagan Bids Farewell to Norfolk

From Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and its 3,000 crew members departed Norfolk Naval Station May 27 at 10 a.m. The Navy?s newest nuclear-powered and most technologically-advanced aircraft carrier will be heading for its official homeport at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego.

Commanded by Capt. James A. Symonds, the ship will be under way for nearly two months while traveling around the tip of South America. Also aboard will be the Reagan Carrier Group staff, led by Rear Adm. Robert T. Moeller, and aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, commanded by Capt. James K. Greene.

The five aircraft squadrons making the transit are the ?Tophatters? of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 flying the F/A-18E, and VFA-41, the ?Black Aces?, and their F/A-18F aircraft. Both squadrons operate the Super Hornet aircraft and are based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.

Also aboard will be Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 ?Wallbangers? flying the E-2C ?Hawkeye? 2000 from Point Mugu, Calif.; the ?Indians? of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 6 flying the SH-60F ?Seahawk,? and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 ?Providers?, flying the C2A ?Greyhound?, both based in San Diego.

Ronald Reagan was commissioned in Norfolk in July 2003.

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www.news.navy.mil.

Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmates! Carry On!