USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is back in Bremerton after nearly five weeks of Pacific training. Getting a carrier out of the shipyard is one milestone. Getting the ship and its sailors ready for the next deployment takes more work.
The carrier returned to Naval Base Kitsap–Bremerton, Washington, Nov. 3. It departed Sept. 30 and operated out of San Diego during the training period. Bremerton is its homeport.
The work included flight deck certification and carrier qualifications following an extended maintenance period. That means putting the flight deck back to work and proving that sailors, aircraft and machinery can perform together.
Reagan completed shipyard maintenance in late August and first went back to sea Sept. 3. This latest return marks another step through the training cycle.
A carrier tied to the pier makes a fine photograph. Its readiness is proven offshore.