USS Ronald Reagan pulls into Guam for port visit

ASAN, Guam—USS Ronald Reagan pulled into U.S. Naval Base Guam for a safe haven liberty port visit last Aug. 22. 

The visit is the fifth of its kind, enhancing liberty options for 7th Fleet ships conducting COVID-19 mitigations. U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge, along with USS Bunker Hill, pulled into Guam for safe haven liberty port visits in early June. The Nimitz Carrier Strike group, consisting of aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton, and guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett and USS Ralph Johnson, pulled into Guam for a safe haven liberty port visit June 24. Most recently, the guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta pulled into Guam at the end of July. 

During Ronald Reagan’s liberty, sailors had access to specific designated areas on the pier and a secured beach on base. This type of liberty allows for quality of life port visits, boosting crew morale, readiness, and effectiveness, while mitigating the risk of contracting COVID-19.

“With the creation of safe haven liberty in Guam, the crew has the opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved rest and recreation,” said Command Master Chief Chris King, USS Ronald Reagan. “The hardworking and dedicated sailors on board Ronald Reagan have performed at unmatched levels over the past several months to ensure readiness and forward presence in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Sailors had the opportunity to unwind and enjoyed food and beverages along with WiFi installed on the pier, where personnel used their phones and laptops. A section of the beach was designated as a safe zone.

With the exception of a few mandatory personnel to ensure the ship’s safe arrival, there was no interaction with any personnel outside the designated liberty areas. For the docking process, all COVID-19 mitigations were in place to include social distancing, masks, gloves, and minimal interactions.

Upon completion of sea trials in May 2020, Reagan returned to Yokosuka, embarked remaining crew completing Restriction of Movement Sequestration, and deployed June 8. Since the ship’s Yokosuka departure, USS Ronald Reagan continues to operate in the Indo-Pacific region alongside allies and partners to demonstrate the United States’ commitment to defense agreements, as well as to provide security and stability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. No COVID-19 cases at-sea have been identified at this time. (PR)