USS Ronald Reagan, Navy’s Pacific flagship aircraft carrier, departs Japan after 9 years

Hundreds of sailors in dress white uniforms stood at attention Thursday on the flight deck of the USS Ronald Reagan as the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier steamed out of Tokyo Bay in its final deployment from Japan, where it had been based for nearly a decade.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel joined U.S. and Japanese military officials in bidding farewell as the warship departed Yokosuka for the last time as the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

“After nine years of deployment to Japan, the USS Ronald Reagan and her 6,000 crew deserve our heartfelt appreciation for their selflessness, their service, and their sacrifice in keeping the Indo-Pacific safe, secure, and stable,” Amb. Emanuel said.

The Reagan’s departure from Japan marked the beginning of the carrier’s final scheduled Indo-Pacific patrol. The USS George Washington will take its place in Japan later this year, after which the Reagan will change home ports to Bremerton, Washington, Navy officials said.

“As forward-deployed naval forces, we had the privilege of living in Japan. Japan has been an incredible host and a second home for the crew,” said Capt. Daryle Cardone, commander of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. “I am very grateful to the Japanese people, the city of Yokosuka, and the Japanese government for their support and for welcoming us as citizens.”

Before being based there in 2015, the carrier was heavily involved with the disaster relief mission following the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan. In addition to flying humanitarian reconnaissance missions, the USS Ronald Reagan and its crew refueled Japanese naval vessels and provided food, water, and supplies to devastated communities, officials said.

“The USS Ronald Reagan, named after a president who won the Cold War in defense of democracy and freedom, will be replaced by the USS George Washington, named after a president who won the Revolutionary War in pursuit of independence and political freedom,” Amb. Emanuel posted on X.