Thursday, March 10, 2011

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Enters 7th Fleet AOR

Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 perform a diamond formation flyby over the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during a Tiger Cruise air power demonstration. Friends and family members of Sailors assigned to the ship embarked at Pearl Harbor. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment operating in the 3rd Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Torrey W. Lee/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group arrived in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), March 9.

While in the 7th Fleet, the carrier strike group (CSG) will conduct exercises and port visits to enhance maritime partnerships and promote peace and stability in the region.

"We continue to seek opportunities to train and build partnerships with our allies," said Rear Adm. Robert Girrier, commander, Carrier Strike Group 7. "We are looking forward to every opportunity to enhance our commitment to the region."

The U.S. 7th Fleet AOR spans 48 million square miles, from the International Date Line to the Western Indian Ocean.

The strike group will participate in Foal Eagle, an annual field-training exercise designed designed to enhance combat readiness of Republic of Korea and U.S. supporting forces through combined training. The exercise highlights the longstanding military partnership and enduring friendship between the United States and Republic of Korea.

The CSG is comprised of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, which includes USS Preble (DDG 88).

The embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 on board Ronald Regan includes Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 154, (VFA) 147, (VFA) 146; Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323; Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113; Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139; Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30, and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.

Ronald Reagan departed from its homeport in San Diego Feb. 2, for a training exercise and its deployment to the 7th Fleet and U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Ronald Regan's last deployment to 7th Fleet was in 2009.