San Diego Welcomes USS Reagan

San Diego Welcomes USS Reagan 10,000 People Expected To Greet Navy's Newest Carrier

SAN DIEGO -- Former first lady Nancy Reagan and other dignitaries are scheduled to be on hand today as the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, arrives at its homeport in San Diego.

The 1,096-foot ship with a crew of about 3,000 is scheduled to dock at Naval Air Station North Island about 10 a.m.

The Reagan has two nuclear reactors that can power the ship for more than 20 years without having to refuel. It carries more than 80 combat aircraft and can house up to 6,000 sailors.

The Nimitz-class carrier was was named for the former president who died of pneumonia at his Bel-Air home at age 93 after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

The ex-president's son, Michael Reagan, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, members of Congress, state officials, Mayor Dick Murphy, actor Tom Selleck and other dignitaries are also scheduled to attend the welcoming ceremony.

The ship, commanded by Capt. James A. Symonds, left Norfolk, VA. in May and traveled more than 12,000 nautical miles, going around Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America, to reach San Diego Bay.

During the trip the carrier conducted training and air engagement exercises with Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru.

According to the San Diego Chamber of Commerce's Economic Research Bureau, the carrier will contribute $430.2 million annually to the local economy.

Five squadron detachments from Carrier Air Wing 11 are aboard the Reagan, including Strike Fighter Squadron 14 and 41.

Both squadrons fly the F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft and are based at Naval Air Station Lemoore.

Also aboard, are the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117, based at Point Mugu, Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Six and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30, based in San Diego.

Fri Jul 23,12:45 PM ET

A tribute to former president Ronal Reagan plays on a video monitor next to the USS Nimitz during an arrival ceremony for the Navy's newest aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (news - web sites) with its 3,000 crew members at their new homeport at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego July 23, 2004. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Thu Jul 22, 6:21 PM ET

Actor Tom Selleck, right, walks the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (news - web sites), Thursday, July 22, 2004, somewhere off the coast of California. The Navy's newest aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, will get a presidential-style welcome when it arrives at its new homeport of San Diego Friday morning. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Thu Jul 22, 6:18 PM ET

Michael Reagan son of former President Ronald Reagan (news - web sites) watches an E-2C Hawkeye launch off the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Thursday, July 22, 2004, somewhere off the coast of California. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

ABOARD THE USS RONALD REAGAN - A smiling Nancy Reagan greeted sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (news - web sites) on Friday as it steamed toward its homeport in San Diego Bay for the first time.

Making her first public appearance since her husband's death, Mrs. Reagan was flown to the ship off the San Diego coast Friday morning.

Meanwhile, thousands of spectators, mainly relatives of sailors aboard the ship, arrived early to witness the impending arrival, filling grandstands along the pier at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado. Others lined the mainland side of San Diego Bay to witness the arrival of the Navy's newest carrier.

Behind the grandstand, images from Reagan's life flashed on a huge screen.

"I think its a special ship and its named for a special person," said Gail Everett, 46, who drove from Atlanta to attend the ceremony and see her son, a sailor aboard the USS Reagan.

The late president's son Michael Reagan was flown to the aircraft carrier Thursday morning as it steamed hundreds of miles offshore. Celebrities such as actor Tom Selleck and members of the news media also were brought aboard at that time, ahead of Mrs. Reagan's arrival on the ship.

"It's really such a pleasure to be here," Michael Reagan told a gathering of crew members.

Mrs. Reagan had christened the partially completed ship in 2001, breaking a bottle of American sparkling wine against its bow. She was on hand in Norfolk, Va., again last year when it was commissioned, telling the crew to "bring her to life."

Capt. Andres "Drew" Brugal, the executive officer, said hosting Mrs. Reagan aboard the ship would be a thrill.

"Obviously it's kind of a sad time right now, so close to the president's death. She's the sponsor of the ship and we're very happy to see her. Her only request was she wanted to see the sailors and see the Ronald Reagan Room," he said. The room is a museum featuring wardrobe from Reagan's movies, posters and a video presentation.

Ahead of the ship's arrival, a carnival atmosphere prevailed along the pier where family members eagerly waited. SeaWorld workers dressed as whales and a Navy band playing rock music shared space with vendors hawking souvenirs, soft drinks and commercial services.

The USS Reagan towers 20 stories above the waterline and is nearly as long as the Empire State Building is tall. Its flight deck covers 4 1/2 acres.

The ship sailed May 27 from Norfolk with a crew of 3,600, making its lengthy journey through the Straits of Magellan at the tip of South America. Reagan died June 5 at 93.

"It was probably most fitting and most appropriate that at the time of his passing, a carrier strike group named in his honor was in fact conducting the very same kind of operations that he espoused through his presidency — peace through strength," said Rear Adm. Robert Moeller, who commands the carrier strike group named for Reagan.

As a nod to Reagan's Hollywood days, the ship has a celebrity walk of fame with such names as Alfred Hitchcock and Spencer Tracy on the mess deck.

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