Ronald
Reagan (RR) will relieve George Washington (GW) as the Navy's only forward-deployed
aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan, and GW will return to Newport News,
Virginia, for a mid-life refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) following
a deployment around South America.
"I would like to thank our Sailors and their families,"
said Capt. Timothy Kuehhas, GW's commanding officer. "To ensure
the success of this historic hull swap, the Sailors aboard the three
ships and their families have had to remain flexible to ensure the Navy's
carrier fleet is manned effectively. Key personnel, especially those
related to unique systems, will remain with their ships. For training
of new crews, each ship will go through a tailored syllabus following
the crew swap."
RR was one of the first responders during Operation Tomodachi in 2011
after the earthquake and tsunami, establishing a strong tie between
the ship and the community of Japan. In addition, RR recently completed
a maintenance period where it had many of its systems upgraded.
"Our relationship with Japan is vital to U.S. national security
interests abroad," said Kuehhas. "Providing USS Ronald Reagan
forward in Japan ensures the United States is best positioned to honor
our security commitment to Japan. Our forward-deployed naval forces
in U.S. 7th Fleet, along with their counterparts in the Japan Self-Defense
Forces, comprise the core capabilities needed by the alliance to meet
our common strategic objectives."
Following the turnover and personnel swap between RR and GW, RR will
conduct a flight deck certification and tailor the ship's training availability
before departing the Southern California operating area to proceed to
the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
USS George Washington has been forward deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet
area of responsibility since August 2008, and is returning to Newport
News to undergo its RCOH. Maintenance efforts will include: refueling
the ship's two nuclear reactors, modernization and repairs to the propulsion
plant, restoring ship service life margins, and system/equipment repair
and/or replacement, as well as war-fighting modernization.
In 2008, George Washington was the first nuclear-powered
aircraft carrier sent to Japan as part of the FDNF. Maintaining an FDNF
capability supports the United States' commitment to the defense of
Japan and the security and stability of the vital Indo-Asia-Pacific. |
