BUSAN, South Korea (NNS) -- Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7, including four ships and more than 5,500 Sailors, arrived in Republic of Korea ports July 14 for routine port visits.
The strike group's flagship, the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW 14), and the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) docked in Busan, while the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Howard (DDG 83) moored in the port city of Chinhae.
This marks the third port visit for CSG-7 during its 2008 Western Pacific deployment and the second visit to Busan by Ronald Reagan. The carrier last visited in March 2007.
"I was fortunate enough to be here [as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea] the last time Ronald Reagan came here, and they were talking about it for months," said Rear Adm. Phil Wisecup, commander of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group.
"We're just as excited to be here as they are to host the ship. We are staunch allies and friends, and our Sailors are excited about the cultural exchange."
More than 240 strike group Sailors will volunteer their time and efforts to help make a difference in various South Korean communities, participating in community relations projects at local schools, elderly care centers and orphanages.
CSG-7 is currently in the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of responsibility as part of a scheduled deployment to promote cooperation, security and stability in the region.
