USS Ronald Reagan undergoes replenishment at sea enroute to its new area of responsibility

From Ang Malaya (Sep 2): USS Ronald Reagan undergoes replenishment at sea enroute to its new area of responsibility

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) conducted a replenishment at sea with replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187) September 1 off the coast of Southern California while on its way to its new area of responsibility in Asia-Pacific Region under US Navy 7th Fleet. CVN 76 departed its home for nine years Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego August 31.

“Ronald Reagan, and its embarked carrier air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region,” the US Navy said.

USS Ronald Reagan replaced the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier and will assume duties in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility upon arrival.

“USS Ronald Reagan is 11 years newer than USS George Washington (CVN 73), which means the carrier has benefited from 11 years of evolving technology,” said Captain Christopher Bolt, USS Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “America’s Flagship will serve our nation as a cornerstone of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces based in Yokosuka, Japan.”

http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2015/09/02/13055-uss-ronald-reagan-undergoes-replenishment-at-sea-enroute-to-its-new-area-of-responsibility