‘Peace Through Strength’: Newest US forward-deployed aircraft carrier sets for Japan

From Ang Malaya (Aug 26): ‘Peace Through Strength’: Newest US forward-deployed aircraft carrier sets for Japan

In an all-hands call, August 24, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) commanding officer Captain Chris Bolt addressed the crew concerning the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier’s new role as United States Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier. “This ship demonstrates the US commitment to global stability in the Western Pacific,” said Bolt.

The Western Pacific includes Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore.

“We are happy to be able to work hand-in-hand with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and work as a team,” the American Navy Captain added.

USS Ronald Reagan recently completed a hull swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while anchored at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. Many former USS George Washington sailors joined the USS Ronald Reagan team and will transit with the ship back to its new homeport, Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan.

As a forward-deployed carrier, the crew will be able to practice USS Ronald Reagan’s motto ‘Peace Through Strength’.

In an earlier event, August 17, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert addressed the officers and crew of USS Ronald Reagan. “You are the deterrent factor there, but more importantly, you’re the symbol of our commitment to the western Pacific,” the American Admiral said. “What you are doing is so incredibly important. This is real business and you are the tip of that spear.”

http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2015/08/26/12872-peace-through-strength-newest-us-forward-deployed-aircraft-carrier-sets-for-japan