The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is currently operating in the South China Sea for the first time during its 2022 deployment, commencing on July 13. This carrier strike group includes the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, and elements of Task Force 70 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, as well as the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76). While in the South China Sea, the strike group is conducting maritime security operations, including freedom of navigation operations with fixed and rotary-wing aviation, maritime strike exercises, and coordinated tactical training between surface and air units. Carrier operations in the South China Sea are part of the U.S. Navy’s routine operations in the Indo-Pacific.

Throughout the 2022 deployment, Ronald Reagan and accompanying units have engaged with allies and partner navies to build high-end warfare readiness that focuses on readiness, anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike, and force protection exercises. In early June, these operations included participation in the Republic of Korea Navy ships for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2022. Later that month in the Philippine Sea, the Sailors of CSG 5 worked with more than 200 aircraft, including units from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Marine Corps, and Special Forces during the Valiant Shield exercise, a U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise in an environment of joint and combined military operations.

“Our presence in the South China Sea demonstrates America’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Capt. Fred Goldhammer, the commodore of USS Ronald Reagan. “Every Sailor on board contributes to this important and enduring mission, in accordance with international law to ensure that all nations can do the same.”

“Our strike group works consistently to stay capable and ready at any moment for power projection operations in the South China Sea to demonstrate our commitment to the region,” said Rear Adm. Michael Donnelly, commander, Task Force 70/Carrier Strike Group 5. “Building on the lessons and successes of exercises like Valiant Shield 2022 and our continuous opportunities to train and operate alongside allies and partners, we provide assurance to uphold peace and prevent conflict in this body of water and anywhere else we sail, fly, and operate.”

The strike group finished the month of June with a port visit to Guam, where Sailors were able to engage in community relations events and enjoy recreation and tourism. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations and is currently the largest forward-deployed fleet in the world. With the help of 35 other maritime-nation allies and partners, the U.S. Navy has operated in the Indo-Pacific region for more than 70 years, providing credible, ready forces to help preserve peace and prevent conflict.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 launched from the flight deck of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).