On the brighter side, here's Nancy Reagan...
Posted on 07/23/2004 10:00:59 AM PDT by Pylon
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.
On the brighter side, here's Nancy Reagan...
Yeah, where are those two wonderful children of Ron and Nancy? I guess they are too busy getting ready for the DNC convention when they further stab their father in the back.
Shameful behavior.
Great photo!! Thanks for posting it. I hope Nancy is having a wonderful day!!! I hope today lifts her spirits, as it has so many others.
Nah...Ron "Pea" Reagan is back to calling dog shows on Animal Planet. I caught a bit of the latest dog show they covered a couple of nights ago. (About all he's fit for.)
Pylon, I posted a nearly identical thread about an hour after yours. Didn't find yours even though I did a search. Asked the Admin Moderator to pull mine. Do you mind of I post more photos here during the morning?
Post away, it's here for everyone
I see no problem with 2 threads on this wonderful occasion : )
Thanks. So far the Moderator hasn't pulled my duplicate, but I'll use this one anyway.
Michael Reagan son of former President Ronald Reagan 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.
Huge crowd to greet the ship: FR's own Jim Robinson is there along with other FReepers.
PING!
No, he's Ron "Pea" Reagan. He insists on using his middle initial, so I accommodate him in my own special way.
ROTFL Good one!
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