Navy Sea Legs Challenge Participants Tour USS Ronald Reagan

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class George Cardenas | 211103-N-RC359-1025 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 3, 2021) Capt. Matthew Ventimiglia, executive officer of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), left, greets Fleet Week New York + Japan Navy Sea Legs Challenge participants in the ship’s ceremonial quarterdeck. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman George Cardenas)  

YOKOSUKA, JAPAN

11.03.2021

Story by Seaman Apprentice Dallas Snider 

USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76)   

Participants in the Fleet Week New York + Japan (FWNYJ) Navy Sea Legs Challenge toured the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in Yokosuka, Japan, Nov. 3.

Ronald Reagan Sailors led the tour, which included visiting the ceremonial quarterdeck, Ronald Reagan Museum, hangar bay, flight deck, signal bridge and pilot house. For the 20 Japanese citizens who completed the Navy Sea Legs challenge in May, it was an opportunity to see how Ronald Reagan maintains readiness in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Capt. Matthew Ventimiglia, executive officer of Ronald Reagan, greeted guests at the ship’s ceremonial quarterdeck prior to the tour and congratulated them on completing the Sea Legs physical challenges designed to mimic climbing the heights of famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Mt. Fuji.

“It was an honor today to welcome the participants in the Navy Sea Legs Challenge to congratulate them and to strengthen our relationship with our host nation,” said Ventimiglia.

Sailors from various departments gave presentations to the participants during their tour of the ship.

Aviation Boatswain’s (Handling) 2nd Class Lei Wang said it was cool to share his knowledge about the three hangar bays, and their purpose.
“This was my first time representing the command, and it was nice teaching visitors how we operate” Wang said.

Later guests were able to witness the navigational heart of the ship – the pilot house - where watchstanders drive Ronald Reagan while at sea.

The FWNYJ was conducted virtually to foster a link between New York and Japan. The Navy Sea Legs Challenge was a part of this on-line connection. Ships like Ronald Reagan have dozens of vertical stairways known as ladderwells located throughout the ship. These ships have multiple levels reaching as high as 20 stories above the water. For tour participants, the visit was a chance to see firsthand the ship and to test their “sea legs."

Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 11.03.2021
• Date Posted: 11.05.2021 06:08
• Story ID: 408741
• Location: YOKOSUKA, JP