USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is a Nimitz-classnuclear-poweredsupercarrierin the service of the United States Navy. The ninth ship of her class,she is named in honor of former PresidentRonald Reagan, President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Upon her christeningin 2001, she was the first ship to be named for a former president still living at the time.
The design of Ronald Reagan's seal was created entirely by her plankownercrew with historical assistanceprovided by staff members at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Libraryfoundation. The red border that rings the ship's seal is similar to the distinctive red rim that defines the White House chinadesigned for the Reagans during their White House years. Four gold stars represent President Reagan's 40th presidency and his four pillars of freedom: individual liberty; economic opportunity; global democracy; and national pride. "Peace through Strength" was a recurring theme of the President's life in public service. The aircraft carruer is positioned by the West Coast, representing President Reagan's two terms as Governor of Californiaand the ship's homeport in the Pacific Fleet. The three aircraft with their patriotic contrails symbolize the three major military operations the President directed during his tenure: Operation Urgent Fury(Grenada/1983); Operation El Dorado Canyon(Libya/1986); and Operation Praying Mantis(Iran/1988). The view of the globe signifies the President's vision of global democracy, and the center is the United States representing the country's national pride. Colors of red, white and blue dominate the seal reflecting the American flag.
After a five-month post shakedown availability (PSA), Reagan received flight deck certification on 8 May 2004, and then began her transit from Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, around Cape Horn, South America, to her new homeport of Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California. However, the official home port will be changed to Bremerton, Washington for a period of approximately 12 months to begin Jan. 10, 2012 while the ship undergoes scheduled repair and maintenance.
