Navy's aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan refuels cruiser USS Antietam in South China Sea.

According to information published by the US DoD on June 17, 2023, in the South China Sea, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) underwent a sea replenishment process, where it was refueled by the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
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Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. (Picture source: DVIDS)

The method of transferring fuel, munitions, and supplies from one vessel to another while in motion, known as Replenishment at Sea (RAS) in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization/Commonwealth of Nations or Underway Replenishment (UNREP) in the U.S. Navy, was first devised in the early 20th century.

It was widely utilized by the U.S. Navy in the Pacific theater during World War II as a logistic support strategy, enabling U.S. carrier task forces to stay at sea for an indefinite period.

About the aircraft carrier

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is an impressive and powerful naval vessel. She has a displacement of 101,400 long tons (113,600 short tons), making her a massive and formidable presence on the seas.

With an overall length of 1,092 feet (332.8 m) and a waterline length of 1,040 feet (317.0 m), USS Ronald Reagan is a substantial and imposing structure. The carrier's propulsion system consists of 2 Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors, 4 steam turbines, and 4 shafts, generating a remarkable 260,000 shp (194 MW) of power.

She can achieve speeds of 30+ knots (56+ km/h; 35+ mph), enabling rapid deployment and maneuverability. The range of this carrier is virtually unlimited, allowing it to traverse great distances for extended periods of time, typically around 20 to 25 years.

USS Ronald Reagan accommodates a complement of 3,532 crew members for ship operations and an air wing consisting of 2,480 personnel. Equipped with advanced sensors and processing systems such as air search radars, fire control radars, air traffic control radars, and instrument landing system radar, the carrier ensures comprehensive situational awareness.

She also boasts electronic warfare and decoy systems for countermeasures. Armament includes Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles, Rolling Airframe Missiles, and Close-in Weapons Systems (CIWS).

Although the exact details of its armor are undisclosed, the carrier is designed to withstand various threats. It can carry up to 90 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, enabling it to support a wide range of military operations with its formidable air power.

Overall, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier represents the pinnacle of naval engineering and serves as a crucial asset in projecting power and maintaining maritime security.