CVN-76 is named after Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911-2004), 40th President of the United States of America (1981-1989).

Overall, the Reagan years saw a restoration of prosperity, and the goal of Peace Through Strength seemed to be within grasp.

Bow shot of the Ronald Reagan taking shape in dry dock (January 1999).

In March 2000 Newport News lowered the bow of the carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) onto the ship. Ronald Reagan is the first Nimitz-Class carrier to have the new bulbous bow design, which outweighs bows erected on previous carriers by about 120 tons. The new bow will be incorporated into the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) and may even be considered as a retrofit design change for all Nimitz-class carriers during refueling and overhaul.

Ronald Reagan in dry dock with the bow attached. She has a redesigned bulbous bow which increases propulsion efficiency and provides more buoyancy to the forward end of the ship; weighing in at approximately 722 tons, the new bow adds 36' to the underwater length of the ship and was installed in March 2000. US Navy photo (# 000316-N-0000G-007).

The forward bridge section of the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) under construction at the Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding facility, 9 August 2000. US Navy photo # 000809-N-0000G-0017.

Island is installed, November 11, 2000 — Looking up at the fore end of the 650-ton island house as it slowly moves over the flight deck. Ronald Reagan has a significantly modified island, with a new mainmast and radar and communications antennas completely rearranged; the overall height of the island house is the same as in previous carriers, but it has one less deck because individual deck heights have been increased. The separate mast abaft the island has been relocated and incorporated to the new island house.

Launch Program Cover.

The President of the United States, George W. Bush speaks to honored guests and participants during the christening ceremony for the nuclear powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), 4 March 2001. U.S. Army photo by Sergeant Ramona E. Joyce (# 010304-A-0000J-005).

Christening ceremony, March 4, 2001 — President George W. Bush, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Newport News Shipbuilding William P. Frick watch as former First Lady Nancy Reagan christens the Navy's tenth nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) in ceremonies at Newport News Shipbuilding. The ship is named in honor of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan, and was christened on the Reagans' 49th wedding anniversary. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Johnny Bivera. [010304-N-2383B-501].

PCU Ronald Reagan moored on the James River at Northrop Grumman Newport News.

Michael Reagan, eldest son of President Ronald Reagan, joined 2,500 sailors from the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) in a ceremony marking the move aboard of the crew October 30, 2002. Crew move aboard is a significant milestone for the sailors who will serve aboard the ship. For the first time, the crew will be working, sleeping and eating aboard the carrier.

May 5, 2003 — Sailors aboard the Precommissioning Unit (PCU) Ronald Reagan took the world's newest aircraft carrier out to sea for the first time during Builder's Sea Trials off the coast of Virginia. Ronald Reagan Sailors and Northrop Grumman Newport News Ship Builders worked side-by-side testing systems to ensure the warship can operate in defense of freedom around the world for the next 50 years. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class James Thierry [030505-N-0610T-001].

As above. Photo # 030505-N-0610T-002.

As above. Photo # 030505-N-0610T-007.

As above. Photo # 030505-N-0610T-008.

Fort Story, Va., May 5, 2003 — Precommissioning Unit (PCU) Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) passes a lighthouse located at Fort Story Army Base. U.S. Navy photo Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Alisha M. Frederick. [030505-N-5783F-001].

May 7, 2003 — The Navy's newest Nimitz-class aircraft carrier tests her counter-measure wash down systems (CMWDS) during scheduled builder sea trials off the coast of Virginia. CMWDS includes a series of sprinklers in vital areas throughout the ship to help contain the spread of fire or chemical, biological, radiological (CBR) attacks. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class James Thierry. [030507-N-0610T-013].

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier PCU Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) returns to Northrop Grumman Newport News Thursday afternoon, May 8, 2003 after successful builder's trials during which the ship underwent extensive testing in a variety of areas. Ronald Reagan was the ninth Nimitz-class ship built by Northrop Grumman Newport News and would be commissioned by the U.S. Navy on July 12, 2003 at the Norfolk Naval Base in Norfolk, Va.

Upon completion of acceptance sea trials, the aircraft carrier PCU Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) returned to Norfolk Naval Station in Norfolk, Va., May 27, 2003.

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan orders the men and women of USS Ronald Reagan to "bring the ship to life" at the commissioning ceremony of the Navy's newest Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, named in honor of her husband, former President Ronald Reagan. The ship's motto is "Peace Through Strength," a phrase coined by Reagan, who is credited for bringing an end to the Cold War and rebuilding the U.S. military. ("All Hands" magazine photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Rusty Black, January 2004, pg. 6., #030712-N-4616B-008).

Vice President Dick Cheney, the principal speaker at the commissioning ceremony of the ninth Nimitz-class nuclear powered aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), addresses a distinguished audience. In the front row, behind Mr. Cheney, are the ship's sponsor and former First Lady, Mrs. Nancy Reagan; the ship's first Commanding Officer, Captain Bill Goodwin; and Acting Secretary of the Navy, Honorable Hansford T. Johnson. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Rusty Black (# 030712-N-4616B-003).

Crewmembers of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) keep with the Navy tradition of running up the gangplanks to bring the ship to life during the ship's commissioning ceremony aboard Naval Station Norfolk, Va. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Rusty Black (# 030712-N-4616B-005).

As above. Photo by John Whalen.

As above. CVN-76 was the first carrier named for a living President. Photo by John Whalen.

U.S. Navy fighter aircraft perform a flyover at the conclusion of the commissioning ceremony of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). The ship’s motto is “Peace Through Strength” a phrase coined by President Reagan who is widely credited for bringing an end to the Cold War, and rebuilding the U.S. military. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Rusty Black (# 030712-N-4616B-004).

Commissioning Booklet cover.

The Atlantic Ocean, July 24, 2003 — An F/A-18 Hornet from the "Salty Dogs" of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23) makes the first arrested landing or "trap" on the flight deck aboard the Navy’s ninth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). The ship was underway off the coast of Virginia conducting flight deck certification. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Chad McNeeley (030724-N-0696M-016).

The Atlantic Ocean, July 25, 2003 — USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) passes the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) as the carrier steams through the Atlantic Ocean for the first time as a commissioned ship. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class James Thierry (# 030725-N-0610T-050).

The sun casts a golden glow on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) as she exits the Chesapeake Bay during an unscheduled evening departure from Naval Station Norfolk, Va. September 16, 2003. The carrier was departing the naval station as part of a 40-ship sortie pending the arrival of Hurricane Isabel. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class James Thierry (# 030916-N-0610T-032).

Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Nov. 11, 2003 — Sailors aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) “Man the Rails” as the nuclear powered aircraft carrier arrives in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class John Lill (# 031111-N-1281L-122).

Newport News, Va., April 26, 2004 — Northrop Grumman Newport News president Tom Schievelbein presented the commanding officer of the USS Ronald Reagan, CAPT Jim Symonds, with a wooden ship's wheel during a ceremony held in the carrier's bridge. The wheel was made in the shipyard's wood-working shop and is a traditional gift for each new aircraft carrier that Newport News builds. (Photo by Chris Oxley).

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, June 9, 2004 — The U.S. Navy's newest aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) pulls into the port of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, her first foreign port visit. The ship departed Naval Station Norfolk for the final time on May 27, to circumnavigate South America on her way to her new homeport of San Diego, Calif. U.S. Navy photo (# 040609-O-9999D-001).

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) transits the Straits of Magellan, between Paso Inglés and Paso Tortuoso, on her way to her new homeport of San Diego, Calif. June 21, 2004.

Another view, as above. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) became the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to transit the Strait of Magellan.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), prepares to enter San Diego harbor for a homeporting celebration, welcoming the ship to San Diego, Calif., and officially joining the U.S. Pacific Fleet, 23 July 2004. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Danielle Sosa (# 040723-N-7615S-119).

San Diego, Calif., Jul. 23, 2004 — USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), enters San Diego harbor for a homeporting celebration. Various dignitaries attended the ceremony, including former First Lady Nancy Reagan, members of the Congress, state officials and celebrities. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Danielle Sosa (# 040723-N-7615S-315).

Homeporting Commemorative Program.

Welcome to San Diego, July 23, 2004. A good, starboard side view of the island.

Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Gerald Russo, center, gives a hand signal to the sliding padeye operator aboard the Military Sealift Command (MSC) ammunition ship USNS Flint (T-AE 32) to lower a pallet of ordnance to the deck during the first ammunition on load aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), 2 December 2004. The aircraft carrier was underway in the Pacific Ocean conducting routine carrier operations. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Kitt Amaritnant (#041202-N-8148A-053).

Water crashes over the bow of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) as she steams through heavy seas in the Pacific Ocean, January 19, 2005. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Aaron Burden (# 050119-N-7130B-034).

Arizona Memorial visitors watch as the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), with Sailors manning the rails, is moored in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on January 22, 2005. Ronald Reagan's first port visit to Hawaii was in support of Operation Unified Assistance, the humanitarian operation effort in the wake of the Tsunami that struck South East Asia. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Donald Bray (# 050122-N-9076B-054).

Sailors man the rails and render honors to the USS Arizona Memorial as the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) pulls into Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on January 22, 2005. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class James Thierry (# 050122-N-0610T-089).

Pacific Ocean, May 31, 2005 — A RTM-7P NATO Sea Sparrow training missile is fired against a BQM-74E aerial drone from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). This was the first live test of the NATO Sea Sparrow weapons system aboard the ship. Ronald Reagan was underway in the Pacific Ocean conducting Combat System Ship's Qualifications Trials (CSSQT). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Kevin S. O'Brien (# 050531-N-5549O-041).

Pacific Ocean, June 21, 2005 — The Mexican Navy destroyer ARM Netzahualcoyotl (D-102), ex-USS Steinaker (DD-863), comes alongside USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) during a Passing Exercise off the coast of California. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class John S. Lill (# 050621-N-1281L-016).

San Diego, July 16, 2005 — Final honors are rendered for retired VADM James B. Stockdale during a memorial service held aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). Hundreds of friends, family members and shipmates gathered to remember the former prisoner of war and Medal of Honor recipient who died July 5 in Coronado, Calif. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Apprentice Christopher D. Blachly (# 050716-N-0555B-176).

San Diego, July 17, 2005 — USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) depart San Diego after a brief port visit to participate in a memorial service for retired VADM James B. Stockdale. The carrier and Air Wing were conducting Tailored Ships Training Availability (TSTA) off the coast of California. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Photographer's Mate Mahlon K. Miller (# 050717-N-0226M-133).

Pacific Ocean, July 25, 2005 — USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) performs a high speed run during operations in the Pacific Ocean. The carrier and embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) were underway conducting Tailored Ships Training Availability (TSTA). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class James Thierry (# 050725-N-0610T-065).

Pacific Ocean, August 19, 2005 — USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) sits at anchor in the waters off Santa Barbara, Calif., for a port call. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Konstandinos Goumenidis (# 050819-N-8213G-274).

San Diego, October 2005. Note floating security barrier.

Pacific Ocean, December 13, 2005 — Aircraft Handling Officer Lt. Cmdr. Thomas McKean, right, explains the basic layout of the flight deck to Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Defense for Reserve Affairs (Readiness, Training and Mobilization), U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, by using the "ouija board" located in Flight Deck Control aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). The ship and embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) were underway in the Pacific Ocean conducting Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Christine Singh (# 051213-N-7711S-245).

Coronado, California, January 4, 2006 — Two SH-60F Seahawks assigned to the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Four (HS-4) provide security alongside USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) while departing her homeport at Naval Air Station North Island. This was the maiden deployment for the Navy's newest nuclear powered aircraft carrier, in support of the Global War on Terrorism and maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Christopher Brown (# 060104-N-5060B-163).

Philippine Sea, June 18, 2006 — (Left to right) The Abraham Lincoln, Kitty Hawk and Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Groups sail in formation, while Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft (led by an Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber) fly overhead during the photo portion of Valiant Shield 2006, an Exercise that focused on integrated joint training among U.S. military forces, enabling real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jarod Hodge (# 060618-N-8591H-383).

Philippine Sea, June 18, 2006 — Aircraft Carriers USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) sail in formation at the start of Exercise Valiant Shield 2006, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area June 19–23, 2006 the exercise included 28 naval vessels, nearly 300 aircraft and approximately 22,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Spike Call (# 060618-N-5961C-001).

Philippine Sea, June 18, 2006 — USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and her Carrier Strike Group (the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser Lake Champlain and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers McCampbell and Decatur) steam through the Philippine Sea as part of a 14-ship formation along with the Kitty Hawk and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Groups during the photo portion of Exercise Valiant Shield 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Aaron Burden (# 060618-N-7130B-052).

Philippine Sea, June 18, 2006 — Ronald Reagan (right) and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Groups break away while the Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group continues to steam ahead following the photo portion of Exercise Valiant Shield 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Todd P. Cichonowicz (# 060618-N-8492C-299).

Philippine Sea, June 18, 2006 — U.S. Navy aircraft carriers (left to right) USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) break away from a 14-ship formation along with ships from the three Carrier Strike Groups to steam independently following the Exercise Valiant Shield 2006 photo exercise. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Aaron Burden (# 060618-N-7130B-606).

Left column is led by Ronald Reagan, followed by the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser Lake Champlain (CG-57) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers McCampbell (DDG-85) and Decatur (DDG-73).

Center column is led by Kitty Hawk, followed by the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser Cowpens (CG-63), the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers Lassen (DDG-82) and John S. McCain (DDG-56), the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate Vandegrift (FFG-48) and the Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet oiler Tippecanoe (T-AO 199).

Right column is led by Abraham Lincoln, followed by the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser Mobile Bay (CG-53) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers Shoup (DDG-86) and Russell (DDG-59).

Tugboats assist USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) as she prepares to moor at Naval Air Station North Island, July 6, 2006 after completing her maiden deployment. The carrier and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) were retuning from a six-month combat deployment in support of the global war on terrorism and maritime security operations (MSO). USS Nimitz (CVN-68) can be seen in the background. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call (# 060706-N-5961C-006).

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) shows off her freshly painted gold anchors, October 24, 2006 after being awarded the retention award for Fiscal Year 2005. The carrier was conducting qualifications off the coast of southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sarah Foster (# 061024-N-7730F-001).

San Diego, December 15, 2006 — Adorned in the colors of the holiday season, the hull number of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) shines above the San Diego Harbor. Ronald Reagan was moored pier-side at Naval Air Station North Island following a fleet replacement squadron carrier qualification (FRSCQ). The qualification marked Ronald Reagan's final underway period of the calendar year, allowing Sailors to spend the holiday season in port with their friends and families. Official U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist (AW) Christohper D. Blachly (# 061215-N-0555B-006).

Flight deck personnel get a look at a rainbow after sailing through a rainstorm aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), 30 January 2007. The rain was accompanied by flurries of hail and winds reaching up to 50 knots. Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group was underway in support of operations in the western Pacific. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac (#070130-N-3659B-153).

USNS Pecos (T-AO 197) steams alongside USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) during a refueling at sea, 15 February 2007. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group was under way on a surge deployment in support of U.S. military operations in the Western Pacific. US Navy photo (#070215-N-7730F-002) by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sarah Foster.

As above. US Navy photo (#070215-N-7730F-006) by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sarah Foster.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) arrives in Sasebo, Japan, February 24, 2007, for a scheduled port visit. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group was under way in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility as part of a surge deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sarah Foster (#070224-N-7730F-010).

San Diego, May 6, 2007.

Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, San Diego, Calif., September 2007.

Pacific Ocean, October 30, 2007 — USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) conducts rudder checks as part of the ship's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) following a six-month Planned Incremental Availability. All naval vessels are periodically inspected by INSURV to check their material condition and battle readiness. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class M. Jeremie Yoder (# 071030-N-6074Y-053).

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and "HMS Surprise," the ship used in the film "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" (2003). The 179-foot (54.6 meters) former sail training ship was launched in 1970 as "HMS Rose" and acquired by the Maritime Museum of San Diego in October 2004. Photo taken in November 2007.

An F/A-18D Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training (VMFAT) Squadron 101 taxis to a catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) during carrier qualifications in the Pacific Ocean, 10 March 2008. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Justin L. Wainscott (#080310-M-5955W-032).

President Ronald Reagan, his wife Nancy Davis Reagan and Newport News Shipbuilding Chairman and CEO Bill Fricks stand in front of the model of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). The aircraft carrier model was presented to President Ronald Reagan in May of 1996.

Mr. Michael Reagan dedicates a model of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) on behalf of his parents, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, in the Reagan Room of the Jonathan Yacht Club in Los Angeles, CA. Summer 2003.

Model of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) on display at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida. Photos taken on 13 June 2008.

Tiger Cruise, October 17-18, 2003.