Mad Mikey's Blog

USS Reagan Coming Home

Big news today here in San Diego:

USS RONALD REAGAN ARRIVES IN S.D.

(07-23-2004) - Former first lady Nancy Reagan and other dignitaries are scheduled to be on hand Friday 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.

And something I just found out about - San Diego is getting all of the nuclear carriers on the West Coast (I think) because the numb-numbs up in Washington State declared that Washington is a 'nuclear-free zone' - no nuke ships.

That's okay - the Reagan is estimated to bring over $400 MILLION to the San Diego region.

CORRECTION: I just found out that there are some nuc carriers up in Washington State so my assertion that it was a 'nuclear-free zone' was incorrect. Okay, I feel sheepish....

UPDATE: I walked outside my office and watched as the Reagan was moored here at NAS North Island. When the line handling party on the quay wall signaled that the ship was officially 'moored', a cheer from the sailors manning the rails went up and the Navy Jack was hoisted up on the bow of the ship.

Posted by Mad Mikey at July 23, 2004 09:48 AM | TrackBack