Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Arrives In Japan

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- More than 5,500 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group 7 (CSG) and five ships arrived in Japan for a routine port visit July 28.

The strike group's flagship, the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), embarked Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW), and the guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) pulled into Sasebo, while the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) stopped in Yokosuka, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) anchored in Fukuoka.

"Our Sailors are the face of America in the Western Pacific. In Japan, we are getting ready to go on what I consider to be a very, very important port visit," said Rear Adm. Phil Wisecup, commander, Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group.

More than 300 strike group Sailors will volunteer their time and efforts to help make a difference in various Japanese communities, by participating in volunteer projects at local schools, elderly care centers, and orphanages. Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is offering Sailors a broad spectrum of opportunities for Sailors to enjoy their time off in Japan, including tours, hiking trips, sporting events and shopping excursions.

This marks the fourth port visit for CSG-7 during its 2008 Western Pacific deployment and the second visit to Japan by Ronald Reagan. The carrier last visited in February 2007.

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is in the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of responsibility as part of a routine deployment to promote peace, cooperation and stability in the region. Homeported in San Diego, Ronald Reagan is the Navy's newest Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.