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By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Burke
YOKOSUKA, Japan – The commanding officer and prospective commanding officer of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) attended former first lady Nancy Reagan’s funeral Friday.
Mrs. Reagan was the ship’s commissioning sponsor and widow of the ship’s namesake, former President Ronald Reagan. She was buried next to her husband at his presidential library in Simi Valley, California.
“It was a true honor for me to be present at Mrs. Reagan’s funeral as a representative of the USS Ronald Reagan, her crew and the U.S. Navy,” said Capt. Chris Bolt, USS Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “She was one of the most influential first ladies in history. Her legacy as a remarkable woman and devoted ambassador to the United States will resonate for years to come.”
Born July 6, 1921, Reagan passed away Sunday in her home in Bel-Air, California at the age of 94. Before her entombment, Reagan laid at rest at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library where more than 5,000 people paid their final respects over a two day period.
“She was a great lady who will be missed,” said Bolt. “Our condolences go out to the Reagan family, but our prayers are for joy that she is now reunited with the love of her life. They made a terrific team.”
According to Bolt, Reagan kept a relationship with the ship since she christened it in 2001.
“She welcomed me on my first day in command with a personal letter of congratulations,” said Bolt. “I was inspired by her elegance and heartfelt style. She continued to keep in touch with the crew of ‘her ship’ during the last 2 ½ years during my time as commanding officer. She personally corresponded with all the commanding officers of USS Ronald Reagan. I will keep and cherish her letters to me.”
Eulogies were given by Reagan’s children, Ronald Reagan Jr. and Patricia Davis. Also present at the ceremony were dozens of dignitaries, including former president George W. Bush, three of America's former first ladies, first lady Michelle Obama, and former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.
“I look forward to assuming command of America’s flagship USS Ronald Reagan,” said Capt. Michael Donnelly, USS Ronald Reagan’s prospective commanding officer. “Mrs. Reagan’s call for excellence and love for her family represents everything the U.S. Navy aims to protect through its presence around the world and we will continue to carry on those traditions aboard USS Ronald Reagan.”
USS Ronald Reagan, with its crew of 3,200, is the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier. It provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S., its partner nations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
| Date Taken: | 03.11.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.14.2016 03:24 |
| Story ID: | 192213 |
| Location: | YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 188 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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