- Length 1092 feet (long enough for the Empire state building to lie on the deck with only a section of its tower extending over the water)
- Stands 20 stories above the waterline (displaces about 95,000 tons of water when fully loaded)
- Flight deck is 4.5 acres (big enough for aircraft to land and take off at the same time)
- Navy's ninth ship in the Nimitz class (the tenth and last Nimitz Class, the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), is scheduled to enter service in 2009)
- Home to almost 6,000 sailors and more than 80 aircraft
- Slated for home porting in San Diego, California (Ronald Reagan considered San Diego his "lucky city" for beginning successful political campaigns)
- Ship's motto "Peace Through Strength" (from a 1988 radio address to the nation on foreign policy - President Reagan said, "If we have learned anything these last eight years, it's that peace through strength works.")
- Carries a unique piece of artwork, a small piece of the Berlin Wall with a bronze profile of President Reagan attached (a reminder of President Reagan's stirring challenge in 1987, "Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!")
- Ship's newsletter is titled "The Gipper Gazette"
- Expected to be in service for 50 years
- Powered by two Nuclear reactors (can operate for 20 years without refueling)
Blessed2Bless by Steve Klusmeyer
Fill 'er Up
by Steve Klusmeyer - 7/15/2003
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Bring Her to Life
With the order "Bring her to life," former first lady Nancy Reagan commissioned the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) last Saturday. Named for the 40th U.S. President, Ronald Reagan, it is the first to bear the name of a living president.Here are a few specifics on the vessel:
Unlimited Power
I wonder what kind of mileage that figures out to be? After 50 years, the ship will only be on its third tank full. I filled up four times just making two trips to south central Kansas last week.Unlimited power - sounds great. I could certainly use it trying to keep up with our almost 13 year old. Seems like it takes more and more energy to do the same things I did easily just a few years ago. And I certainly haven't given up refueling several times a day. Some have successfully harnessed energy from nature - wind, water, solar. Still those sources have limitations. And eventually even the nuclear reactors on the USS Ronald Reagan will need refueling.
Running on Empty
Too good to be true. Wishful thinking. Unlimited power does seem out of reach. Weariness and fatigue set in with the emotional and physical grind of day-to-day life. The tanks are empty and the reserves are long gone. But refueling is possible. A source for the power and renewal needed is available. Learn more.Learn more about the USS Ronald Reagan at www.public.navy.mil.