Editing USS Ronald Reagan (section)

==Service history==
On 8 May 2004, following a five-month post-shakedown availability, ''Ronald Reagan'' received her second flight deck certification covering all flight operations, including aircraft launch and recovery, safety, crash and salvage, fuel certifications, and training.<ref>{{cite web |author=Shane Tuck |title=USS ''Ronald Reagan'' Certified Battle Ready |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13244 |id=NNS040512-07 |website=USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs |date=12 May 2004 |access-date=9 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629123142/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13244 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Ronald Reagan'' then transited from Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, through the [[Strait of Magellan]] to her new homeport, [[Naval Air Station North Island]], San Diego, with Captain [[James A. Symonds]] in command.

[[Carrier Air Wing Eleven]], normally assigned to {{USS|Nimitz|CVN-68|6}}, embarked 25% of its total strength for the transit. The squadrons making the transit were [[VFA-14]] and [[VFA-41]] flying the [[F/A-18E/F Super Hornet]], [[VAW-117]] flying the [[E-2C Hawkeye]] 2000, [[HS-6]] flying the [[SH-60F Seahawk]], and [[VRC-30]] flying the [[C-2A Greyhound]]. The ship visited [[Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]], on 5 June 2004. During the first evening after arrival, the ship's namesake, former President Reagan, died. A ceremony in his honor was held onboard later that evening, after the US national anthem was publicly played. Upon leaving Rio, ''Ronald Reagan'' transited the Strait of Magellan on 20–21 June and subsequently visited [[Valparaíso, Chile]], and [[Callao, Peru]], before arriving in San Diego on 23 July 2004. From 1 October 2004, ''Ronald Reagan'' was assigned to [[Carrier Strike Group Fifteen]].

[[File:HMS Gotland with USS Ronald Reagan.jpg|thumb|HSwMS ''Gotland'' with ''Ronald Reagan'']]

During an anti-submarine warfare exercise in 2005, [[HSwMS Gotland (Gtd)|HSwMS ''Gotland'']], on loan from the [[Swedish Navy]], managed to score multiple simulated attacks on ''Ronald Reagan'' while undetected, showcasing that the submarine was in a position to sink the carrier. This prompted the U.S. Navy to extend their lease of the submarine following the exercise, for further study.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sutton |first=H. I. |title=Sweden's Famously Stealthy Submarine Is Now Even Quieter |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hisutton/2020/05/17/swedens-famously-stealthy-submarine-just-got-even-quieter/ |access-date=2023-11-18 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Paleja |first=Ameya |date=2021-10-19 |title=How a Tiny Swedish Sub Took Down an Entire US Aircraft Carrier |url=https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/tiny-swedish-sub-took-down-an-entire-us-aircraft-carrier |access-date=2023-11-18 |website=interestingengineering.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

===2006 maiden deployment===
[[File:US Navy 060618-N-8492C-276 The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), foreground, USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), center, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and their associated carrier strike groups steam in formation.jpg|thumb|''Ronald Reagan'' (foreground) operates with {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CV-63|2}} (center) and {{USS|Abraham Lincoln|CVN-72|2}} (background) on her first cruise in June 2006]]

''Ronald Reagan'', with [[Terry Kraft|Terry B. Kraft]] in command, departed San Diego on 4 January 2006 on her maiden deployment conducting naval operations in support of [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]] and [[Operation Enduring Freedom]], as well as maritime security operations in the [[Persian Gulf]]. On 28 January 2006, an F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter attempting landing aboard ''Ronald Reagan'' crashed into the ship's [[flight deck]] while the ship was about {{convert|200|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of [[Brisbane]], [[Queensland]]. The aircraft struck the ramp, missed the third cable, and skidded overboard. The pilot ejected safely, but the aircraft was lost.<ref>{{Cite news |title=US jet crashes off Queensland |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-01-29/us-jet-crashes-off-queensland/787996 |website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=30 January 2006 |access-date=11 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818180613/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-01-29/us-jet-crashes-off-queensland/787996 |archive-date=18 August 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |title=F-18 Crash video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbRd3WT1V6Y |publisher=[[United States Navy]] |date=28 January 2006 |access-date=8 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723192913/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbRd3WT1V6Y |archive-date=23 July 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> While in Brisbane, the carrier's main condensers became clogged with {{convert|1900|lb}} of [[jellyfish]], causing problems in the main machinery rooms and hindering cooling of the main reactors.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,17955531-29277,00.html |title=Mighty warship feels the sting |first=Roberta |last=Mancuso |website=[[News.com.au]] |date=26 October 2007 |access-date=24 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071026083724/http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,17955531-29277,00.html |archive-date=26 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/inquirer/the-jellyfish-are-coming/story-e6frg6z6-1227243740909 |title=The jellyfish are coming |last=Ross |first=John |date=2 March 2015 |newspaper=[[The Australian]] |access-date=24 July 2017}}</ref> The ship entered the Persian Gulf on 22 February 2006, and returned from deployment on 6 July 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=21569 |title=USS Ronald Reagan Departs on Maiden Deployment |date=4 January 2006 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604161122/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=21569 |archive-date=4 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=24538 |title=Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Returns Following 6-Month Deployment |date=6 July 2006 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913142353/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=24538 |archive-date=13 September 2009}}</ref>

===2007 surge deployment===
''Ronald Reagan'' and her [[Carrier Strike Group]] (CSG) departed North Island, Coronado in San&nbsp;Diego on 27 January 2007 on an unscheduled surge deployment<ref>{{cite press release |title=Ronald Reagan Strike Group Departs San Diego on Surge Deployment |publisher=USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs |date=27 January 2007 |url=http://www.reagan.navy.mil/reagan_news/news_releases/07news_releases/005.htm |access-date=10 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070228152557/http://www.reagan.navy.mil/reagan_news/news_releases/07news_releases/005.htm |archive-date=28 February 2007}}</ref> to the Western Pacific, in place of the forward deployed carrier {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CV-63|2}} while she underwent maintenance in Japan. On 20 April 2007, ''Ronald&nbsp;Reagan'' and her CSG returned to Coronado. The "surge deployment" was part of the Navy's Fleet Response Plan, which provides the US with the ability to respond to any global commitment with flexible and sustainable forces and the ability to rapidly respond to a range of situations on short notice.

In January 2007, ''Ronald Reagan'' earned the 2006 [[Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific]] Carrier [[Navy E Ribbon|Battle Efficiency]] "E" award for the West Coast, the first Battle&nbsp;"E" ever for the carrier.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=28023 |title=Ronald Reagan Awarded First Battle "E" |date=28 February 2007 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721034744/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=28023 |archive-date=21 July 2010}}</ref>

''Ronald Reagan'' returned to Naval Air Station North Island on 20 April 2007, following a three-month deployment in support of operations in the Western Pacific.

On 15 December 2007, the carrier answered a distress call from a cruise ship off the coast of [[Baja California]]. An [[SH-60]] helicopter airlifted an [[Illinois]] teenager whose [[Vermiform appendix|appendix]] had ruptured while on a Mexican cruise to ''Ronald Reagan'', where the ship's surgeon performed an emergency appendectomy.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=33932 |title=Ronald Reagan and HS-4 Medevac 14 Year-Old Girl From Cruise Ship |date=15 December 2007 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=20 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170604034628/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=33932 |archive-date=4 June 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hullnumber.com/CVN-76 |title=USS Ronald Reagan Service History |website=HullNumber.com |access-date=20 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614104126/http://www.hullnumber.com/CVN-76 |archive-date=14 June 2017 }}</ref>

===2008 deployment===
''Ronald Reagan'', with CVW-14 embarked, departed San Diego on 19 May 2008, for a scheduled [[United States Seventh Fleet|7th Fleet]] and [[United States Fifth Fleet|5th Fleet]] deployment.

The ''Ronald Reagan'' CSG performed humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the [[Philippines]] on 24 June 2008 after that country was devastated by [[Typhoon Fengshen (2008)|Typhoon Fengshen]], that killed hundreds from the central island regions and the main island of [[Luzon]]. The [[typhoon]] also capsized the passenger ferry MV ''Princess of the Stars''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/103093/US-ship-coming-to-help-retrieve-victims-of-sea-tragedy |title=US ship coming to help retrieve victims of sea tragedy |date=25 June 2008 |website=[[GMA News and Public Affairs]] |access-date=24 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925002811/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/103093/news/nation/us-ship-coming-to-help-retrieve-victims-of-sea-tragedy |archive-date=25 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Working in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, ''Ronald Reagan'' and her escorts of CSG 7 focused their efforts on the island of [[Panay]] in the [[Central Visayas]]. For eight days, [[SH-60 Seahawk]] helicopters and [[C-2A Greyhound]] aircraft of the ''Ronald Reagan'' CSG helped deliver more than {{convert|519,000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} of rice, fresh water, and other supplies to areas of Panay, which were not reachable by truck due to flooded roads. The mission in Panay earned the entire strike group the Navy's [[Humanitarian Service Medal]].

The CSG arrived in the [[U.S. Fifth Fleet]] area on 28 August 2008, where she launched more than 1,150&nbsp;sorties into [[Afghanistan]] in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). ''Ronald Reagan'' returned to San Diego on 25 November 2008.

On 25 September 2008, ''Ronald Reagan'', while underway in the [[Gulf of Oman]], played host to the rock band [[Creed (band)|Creed]]. Over 1500 members of the ship's crew crowded the flight deck to watch the band perform.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 September 2008 |title=Performing on the USS Ronald Reagan |url=https://www.witharmswideopenfoundation.org/archives/?offset=1256569200952 |access-date=9 October 2022 |work=With Arms Wide Open Foundation}}</ref>

''Ronald Reagan'' received word in February 2009 that the ship had won her second [[Battle Efficiency Award]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=42703 |title=USS Ronald Reagan Wins Second Battle E |first=Kyle |last=Carlstrom |date=22 February 2009 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913141827/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=42703 |archive-date=13 September 2009}}</ref>

===2009 deployment===
On 28 May 2009, ''Ronald Reagan'' deployed with Carrier Air Wing 14 to the 7th and 5th Fleet Areas of Responsibility.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45759 |title=USS Ronald Reagan Deploys |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=24 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629180423/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45759 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Ronald Reagan'' relieved the {{USS|Dwight D. Eisenhower|CVN-69|2}} CSG and launched her first sorties in support of OEF on 6 July. ''Ronald Reagan'' returned to homeport on 21 October after a five-month deployment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49183 |title=Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Returns Home |first=Frank E. |last=Neely |date=23 October 2009 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091025125027/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49183 |archive-date=25 October 2009}}</ref>

===2010===
In early 2010, ''Ronald Reagan'' was awarded the 2009 Chief of Naval Operations Afloat [[Safety "S"]] Award,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=52467 |title=Ronald Reagan Wins CNO Safety Award |first=Alex |last=Tidd |date=8 April 2010 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805085739/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=52467 |archive-date=5 August 2012}}</ref> and the 2009 Pacific Fleet [[Battle "E"]] for combat efficiency. The Battle&nbsp;"E" award was ''Ronald Reagan''{{'}}s second consecutive and third Battle E in four years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=51232 |title=USS Ronald Reagan Wins Third Battle "E" Award |first=Briana C. |last=Brotzman |date=11 February 2010 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629212128/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=51232 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:US Navy 100506-N-8421M-124 The aircraft carriers USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) are pierside at Naval Air Station North Island.jpg|thumb|right|2010 PIA maintenance (6 May 2010)]]

On 19 May 2010, [[Norfolk Naval Shipyard]] completed the six-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) maintenance cycle on ''Ronald Reagan''. This PIA project was under budget, and marked both Norfolk Naval Shipyard's largest off-site availability, as well as the largest public-sector work package ever performed on an aircraft carrier berthed at [[Naval Air Station North Island]], [[Coronado, California]].<ref name="NNS100520-1">{{cite web |title=Norfolk Naval Shipyard Completes CVN 76's Planned Incremental Availability |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=53501 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121212212426/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=53501 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 December 2012 |id=NNS100520-1 |author=Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs |website=U.S. Navy |date=20 May 2010 |access-date=28 December 2011}}</ref> During the maintenance period, ''Ronald Reagan'' received technological upgrades for her next deployment and subsequent operations. Refurbishments included high-tech combat systems and firefighting equipment, improved ship's laundry services and living spaces.<ref name="NNS100521-03">{{cite web |first=Torrey W. |last=Lee |title=''Ronald Reagan'' Ready for Sea After Successful Sea Trials |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=53484 |id=NNS100521-03 |website=USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs |date=21 May 2010 |access-date=9 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328225250/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=53484 |archive-date=28 March 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> This PIA maintenance project was an example of the 'One Shipyard' concept wherein the US Navy mobilizes its work force across its various shipyards to better meet fleet readiness requirements and to stabilize a vital workforce base for the US defense industry. While Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) was the project lead, significant work was done by its partners: [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility]] (PSNS), Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SRMC), and [[Huntington Ingalls Industries|Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding]] (NGSB). During peak manning, about 1,400 worked the project on a daily basis. This included rough 625 NNSY personnel, 165 PSNS employees, and 600 from SWRMC/NGSB.<ref name=NNS100520-1/>

On 18 May 2010, ''Ronald Reagan'' departed Naval Air Station North Island for sea trials.<ref name=NNS100521-03/><ref>{{cite web |title=USS ''Ronald Reagan'' Underway for Sea Trials |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=53430 |id=NNS100518-06 |website=USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs |date=18 May 2010 |access-date=28 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228140316/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=53430 |archive-date=28 December 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="CVN74history2010">{{cite web |title=USS Ronald Reagan CVN 76 - History |url=http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn76history.htm |website=US Carriers.net |date=16 November 2011 |access-date=29 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912012918/http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn76history.htm |archive-date=12 September 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> This was the final phase of the PIA, and was conducted to assess the carrier{{'}}s material readiness to return to the operational fleet.<ref name=NNS100521-03/> ''Ronald Reagan'' pulled into Naval Air Station North Island on 19 May 2010 after completing her two-day sea trial, marking the official end to the ship's six-month PIA maintenance period.<ref name=NNS100521-03/>

On 2 June 2010, ''Ronald Reagan'', with [[Carrier Air Wing Fourteen]] (CVW-14) embarked, departed Naval Air Station North Island to conduct flight deck certifications.<ref name=CVN74history2010/><ref name="NNS100603-15">{{cite web |author=Torrey W. Lee |title=''Ronald Reagan'' Begins Flight Deck Certification |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=53819 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805140714/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=53819 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 August 2012 |id=NNS100603-15 |website=USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs |date=3 June 2010 |access-date=28 December 2011}}</ref> Embarked squadrons included: [[HS-2|Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 4 (HS-4)]], [[VMFA-323|Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 (VMFA-323)]], [[VFA-154|Strike Fighter Squadron 154 (VFA-154)]], [[VFA-147|Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147)]], [[VFA-146|Strike Fighter Squadron 146 (VFA-146)]], [[VAW-113|Airborne Early Warning Squadron 113 (VAW-113)]] and [[VRC-30|Fleet Logistics Squadron 30 (VRC-30)]]. The certification included a full evaluation of the arresting gear, steam catapults, and flight-deck personnel. ''Ronald Reagan''{{'}}s air department was assessed on the ability to maintain a fully operational flight deck and respond to simulated mishaps.<ref name=NNS100603-15/>

During the summer of 2010, ''Ronald Reagan'' participated in Exercise [[RIMPAC]], departed from Naval Air Station North Island, California, for a [[Board of Inspection and Survey]] assessment on 25 August 2010, and departed her homeport to conduct routine operations off the coast of southern California in preparation for her 2011 Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment.<ref name=CVN74history2010/> In November 2010, the ship provided emergency supplies and assistance to passengers stranded in the Pacific Ocean aboard the cruise ship {{ship||Carnival Splendor}}, which had lost power due to an engine fire.<ref name="Jon Swaine">{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/11/11/cruise.ship/index.html?hpt=T1 |title=Passengers: Mayo sandwiches, showering in the dark on cruise ship |work=CNN |date=12 November 2010 |access-date=12 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108222445/http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/11/11/cruise.ship/index.html?hpt=T1 |archive-date=8 November 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2011 deployment===
[[File:USSRonaldReaganByPhilKonstantin.jpg|thumb|USS ''Ronald Reagan'' returning to San Diego Bay after a deployment, 2011]]
The ship departed for an Asian deployment on 2 February 2011. On 11 March 2011, ''Ronald Reagan'' was in the Korean peninsula region for a long-planned exercise off [[Korea]], but was redirected towards Japan to [[Operation Tomodachi|provide support]] after the massive [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]]. The ship, stationed off [[Sendai]], served as a refueling station for Japanese coast guard and military helicopters on relief missions in the area.<ref name=lat-soaring>{{cite news |last1=King |first1=Laura |last2=Magnier |first2=Mark |last3=Demick |first3=Barbara |title=Japan faces soaring number of feared dead |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2011-mar-13-la-fg-japan-quake-main-20110313-story.html |access-date=16 February 2015 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |page=3 |date=13 March 2011 |quote=The nuclear-powered ship [USS Ronald Reagan] is being used as a floating refueling station for Japanese military and coast guard helicopters flying rescue missions in the area and delivering emergency food supplies. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216100234/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/mar/13/world/la-fg-japan-quake-main-20110313 |archive-date=16 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> US Navy helicopters also flew relief missions from the carrier. On 13 March 2011, the ship measured 0.6 [[millirem]]/hr direct gamma shine from clouds 130 miles (≈210&nbsp;km) from the [[Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant]].<ref name=enform-rem>{{cite web |title=USS Ronald Reagan measured 0.6 mR/hr direct gamma shine from clouds 130 miles from Fukushima Daiichi |url=http://enformable.com/2012/03/uss-ronald-reagan-measured-0-6-mrhr-direct-gamma-shine-from-clouds-130-miles-from-fukushima-daiichi/ |website=Enformable: Nuclear News |access-date=16 February 2015 |date=13 March 2011 |quote=...they went up to 130 miles or from the plant, and we were still reading a direct gamma shine of 0.6 [[millirem]] per hour. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216102956/http://enformable.com/2012/03/uss-ronald-reagan-measured-0-6-mrhr-direct-gamma-shine-from-clouds-130-miles-from-fukushima-daiichi/ |archive-date=16 February 2015 }}</ref> Members of the crew later blamed their cancers on the event.<ref>{{cite web |author=The Stream Team |url=http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/the-stream/the-stream-officialblog/2013/12/16/uss-reagan-sailorsreportcancersafterfukushimarescuemission.html |title=USS Ronald Reagan sailors report cancers after Fukushima rescue mission |date=16 December 2013 |website=Al Jazeera America |access-date=16 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217055744/http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/the-stream/the-stream-officialblog/2013/12/16/uss-reagan-sailorsreportcancersafterfukushimarescuemission.html |archive-date=17 December 2013 }}</ref> On 14 March 2011, the ship was forced to relocate to avoid a radioactive plume from the [[Fukushima I nuclear accidents]] which had contaminated 17&nbsp;crew members of three helicopter crews.<ref name=navtime-move>{{cite news |url=http://archive.navytimes.com/article/20110314/NEWS/103140314/Navy-ships-off-Japan-move-avoid-radiation |title=Navy ships off Japan move to avoid radiation |newspaper=[[Navy Times]] |date=14 March 2011 |last=Stewart |first=Joshua |access-date=16 December 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150216103851/http://archive.navytimes.com/article/20110314/NEWS/103140314/Navy-ships-off-Japan-move-avoid-radiation |archive-date=16 February 2015}}</ref> On 23 March, ''Ronald Reagan''{{'}}s crew performed radiation [[decontamination]] by scrubbing down any surface that could have been contaminated, including the island superstructure and flight deck, to remove any potential radiation hazards.<ref name=pbs-scrub>{{cite web |last=Brazell |first=Karen |url=https://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/the-daily-need/photo-a-super-size-scrub/8143/ |title=Photo: A super-size scrub |work=PBS.org |date=23 March 2011 |access-date=16 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217053901/http://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/the-daily-need/photo-a-super-size-scrub/8143/ |archive-date=17 December 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 4 April 2011, Japan's minister of defense, [[Toshimi Kitazawa]], accompanied by US ambassador to Japan [[John Roos]], visited the ship to thank the crew for their assistance as part of Operation Tomodachi. Said Kitazawa, "I have never been more encouraged by and proud of the fact that the United States is our ally."<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=[[Kyodo News]] |title=Japanese defense chief thanks U.S. military for humanitarian efforts |date=4 April 2011}}</ref> The ship returned to San Diego on 8 September 2011.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kovach |first=Gretel C. |title=Carrier Ronald Reagan Due Home After Eventful Deployment |newspaper=[[San Diego Union-Tribune]] |date=9 September 2011}}</ref> In January 2011, the Navy announced that the aircraft carrier would be transferred to the Puget Sound Naval Ship Yard in Bremerton, Washington, for scheduled repair and maintenance beginning January 2012.<ref name="Bremerton"/>

===2012 and 2013===
[[File:US Navy 120109-N-EE987-022 The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) transports Sailors' vehicles while transiting the Pacific coast to Naval.jpg|thumb|Sailors' personal vehicles carried on the trip from San Diego to Bremerton in 2012]]
On 10 January 2012, ''Ronald Reagan''{{'}}s official homeport was changed to [[Bremerton, Washington]] for a little over a year<ref name="Bremerton">{{cite web |url=http://www.house.gov/list/speech/wa06_dicks/morenews1/ussreagan.shtml |title=USS Ronald Reagan Coming to Bremerton in 2012 |date=18 January 2011 |website=House.gov |access-date=17 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801134118/http://www.house.gov/list/speech/wa06_dicks/morenews1/ussreagan.shtml |archive-date=1 August 2012}}</ref> until returning to her homeport of San Diego on 21 March 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.10news.com/news/uss-ronald-reagan-returns-to-san-diego-after-more-than-a-year-in-washington-state-032113 |title=USS Ronald Reagan returns to San Diego after more than a year in Washington state |website=10News.com |access-date=21 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203091730/http://www.10news.com/news/uss-ronald-reagan-returns-to-san-diego-after-more-than-a-year-in-washington-state-032113 |archive-date=3 December 2013 }}</ref> For the sailors being relocated, the Navy transported many privately-owned vehicles on the deck of the ship as a cost-saving measure.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/16/why-aircraft-carriers-may-be-good-for-parking-cars-but-not-landing-new-jets/ |title=Why aircraft carriers may be good for parking cars but not landing new jets |date=16 January 2012 |website=CNN |access-date=24 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214223106/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/16/why-aircraft-carriers-may-be-good-for-parking-cars-but-not-landing-new-jets/ |archive-date=14 February 2017 }}</ref>

===2014===
On 14 January 2014, the Navy announced that ''Ronald Reagan'' would replace her sister ship {{USS|George Washington|CVN-73|2}} as the [[United States Seventh Fleet|Seventh Fleet]] forward deployed carrier at [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka|Yokosuka, Japan]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78601 |title=Navy Aircraft Carrier Moves Underscore Pacific Rebalance Strategy |author=U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs |date=14 January 2014 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=24 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220002915/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78601 |archive-date=20 February 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2015 homeport change and patrol===
In 2015 ''Ronald Reagan'' replaced ''George Washington'' as the US Navy's only forward deployed aircraft carrier. In August, after a short patrol in the Pacific, ''George Washington'' docked in [[Naval Base San Diego]] alongside ''Ronald Reagan''. A hull swap occurred over ten days, in which the crews assigned to each carrier switched ships. This was done to minimize the number of sailors who would need to move between San Diego to Japan due to the change in homeports of the two carriers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/military/sdut-three-presidents-crew-cvn-220-2015aug05-story.html |title=History made with 3-carrier swap |last=Steele |first=Jeannette |work=San Diego Tribune |date=15 August 2015 |access-date=9 January 2021 }}</ref> ''Ronald Reagan'' effectively took her new place as the flagship of [[Carrier Strike Group 5]] and [[Carrier Air Wing Five|Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5)]]. On 1 October 2015, she arrived in her newest homeport, [[Yokosuka, Kanagawa|Yokosuka]] in [[Kanagawa Prefecture]]. CVW-5 was based at [[Naval Air Facility Atsugi]], which is also located in Kanagawa Prefecture. The ship was open for the public to tour on 12 October.<ref name="tour"/>

''Ronald Reagan'' departed for her annual patrol of the Western Pacific on 15 October.<ref name="2015a">{{cite press release |last=Sexton |first=Sara |date=3 December 2015 |url=https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/Article/632587/uss-ronald-reagan-completes-2015-/ |title=USS Ronald Reagan Completes 2015 Patrol |publisher=USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs |access-date=9 January 2021}}</ref> On 29 October two Russian [[Tupolev Tu-142]] bombers flew within one mile of the ship at low altitude. Four F/A-18 Super Hornets were scrambled in response.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/russian-aircraft-approach-uss-ronald-reagan-prompting-us-fighter-jet-scramble-1.375709#.Wcijb8aB2CQ |title=Russian aircraft approach USS Ronald Reagan, prompting US fighter jet scramble |last=Slavin |first=Erik |date=29 October 2015 |newspaper=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] |access-date=25 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925132709/https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/russian-aircraft-approach-uss-ronald-reagan-prompting-us-fighter-jet-scramble-1.375709#.Wcijb8aB2CQ |archive-date=25 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/uss-ronald-reagan-pulls-into-busan-after-joint-drills-1.375924#.WcikaMaB2CR |title=USS Ronald Reagan pulls into Busan after joint drills |last=Kimber |first=James |date=30 October 2015 |newspaper=Stars and Stripes |access-date=25 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925132712/https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/uss-ronald-reagan-pulls-into-busan-after-joint-drills-1.375924#.WcikaMaB2CR |archive-date=25 September 2017}}</ref> The ship conducted fleet exercises with the [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force]] and [[Republic of Korea Navy]]. During a fleet review with the JMSDF, the [[Prime Minister of Japan]] [[Shinzo Abe]] visited the ship. The ship returned to Yokosuka on 3 December.<ref name="2015a"/>

===2016 patrol===
On 4 June 2016, ''Ronald Reagan'' departed Yokosuka<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hrana.org/hot-topics/2016/06/us-navy-deploys-most-carrier-strike-groups-since-2012/ |title=US Navy Deploys Most Carrier Strike Groups Since 2012 |last=Cavas |first=Christopher P. |website= Association of Naval Aviation|format=Defense News |date=6 June 2016 |access-date=7 June 2016}}</ref> and was deployed with CSG 5 to the South China Sea before an international tribunal released its decision regarding a China and Philippines conflict.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://newsline.com/u-s-carrier-ronald-reagan-targeted-by-several-dozen-chinese-anti-ship-missiles-in-july/ |title=U.S. Carrier 'Ronald Reagan' Targeted by Several Dozen Chinese Anti -Ship Missiles in July |first=Charmaine |last=Lomabao |website=Newsline.com |date=30 December 2016 |access-date=1 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231181743/https://newsline.com/u-s-carrier-ronald-reagan-targeted-by-several-dozen-chinese-anti-ship-missiles-in-july/ |archive-date=31 December 2016 }}</ref> The ship returned after a 53-day cruise for a mid-cruise break<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=95860 |title=Ronald Reagan Returns to Yokosuka for Mid-Patrol Break |last=Burke |first=Nathan |date=26 July 2016 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=11 August 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727140037/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=95860 |archive-date=27 July 2016}}</ref> and conducted [[Board of Inspection and Survey]] (INSURV) inspections designed to ensure the ship would last her full 50-year lifespan. She temporarily left port due to [[Typhoon Lionrock (2016)|Typhoon Lionrock]].<ref>{{cite tweet |title=Americas Flagship returns after a brief underway to avoid Typhoon Lionrock |author=USS Ronald Reagan |user=Gipper_76 |number=770824248902287361 |date=30 August 2016}}</ref> After completing INSURV, she returned to sea on 3 September. The ship then participated in [[Exercise Valiant Shield]] 2016 before making a port call at Guam and participating in Invincible Spirit, a joint exercise with South Korean forces in the [[Sea of Japan]] and the [[Yellow Sea]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/10/10/asia-pacific/u-s-south-korean-joint-naval-drills-kick-off-nuclear-powered-uss-ronald-reagan-set-take-part/ |title=U.S.-South Korean joint naval drills kick off; nuclear-powered USS Ronald Reagan set to take part |last=Johnson |first=Jesse |date=10 October 2016 |newspaper=[[Japan Times]] |access-date=28 October 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011121553/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/10/10/asia-pacific/u-s-south-korean-joint-naval-drills-kick-off-nuclear-powered-uss-ronald-reagan-set-take-part/ |archive-date=11 October 2016}}</ref> ''Ronald Reagan'' returned to Yokosuka on 21 November.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/uss-ronald-reagan-returns-to-yokosuka-after-3-month-patrol-1.440447#.WbUjbcaB2CQ |title=USS Ronald Reagan returns to Yokosuka after 3-month patrol |last=Hlavac |first=Tyler |date=21 November 2017 |newspaper=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] |access-date=10 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910174043/https://www.stripes.com/news/uss-ronald-reagan-returns-to-yokosuka-after-3-month-patrol-1.440447#.WbUjbcaB2CQ |archive-date=10 September 2017}}</ref>

===2017===
[[File:USS Ronald Reagan in port at Yokosuka.jpg|thumb|During 2017 Selected Restricted Availability maintenance]]
From 10 January, the ship began a period of Selected Restricted Availability with a focus on upgrading parts of the ship including the flight deck, hangar bays, and general living spaces.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/220028/uss-ronald-reagan-begins-2017-selected-restricted-availability |title=USS Ronald Reagan begins 2017 Selected Restricted Availability |last=Satchell |first=Bernard |date=1 January 2017 |website=Defense Video Imagery Distribution System |access-date=27 February 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221110005/https://www.dvidshub.net/news/220028/uss-ronald-reagan-begins-2017-selected-restricted-availability |archive-date=21 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://navaltoday.com/2017/01/11/uss-ronald-reagan-begins-sra-maintenance-period-in-japan/ |title=USS Ronald Reagan begins SRA maintenance period in Japan |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=11 January 2017 |website=Naval Today |access-date=27 February 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227150416/http://navaltoday.com/2017/01/11/uss-ronald-reagan-begins-sra-maintenance-period-in-japan/ |archive-date=27 February 2017}}</ref> On 19 April the ship was visited by Vice President [[Mike Pence]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/04/18/vice-president-mike-pences-remarks-aboard-uss-ronald-reagan/ |title=Vice President Mike Pence Visits USS Ronald Reagan |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=18 April 2017 |website=Navy Live |access-date=9 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109081345/http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/04/18/vice-president-mike-pences-remarks-aboard-uss-ronald-reagan/ |archive-date=9 November 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=The Latest: Pence, on US Carrier, Pledges to Defend Asia |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2017-04-18/the-latest-pence-visits-uss-ronald-reagan-carrier-in-japan |work=[[U.S. News & World Report]] |date=18 April 2017 |access-date=9 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109134322/https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2017-04-18/the-latest-pence-visits-uss-ronald-reagan-carrier-in-japan |archive-date=9 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 7 May, the ship put to sea for sea trials before her annual patrol.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/05/09/politics/uss-ronald-reagan-sea-trial-carl-vinson-pacific/ |title=USS Ronald Reagan preps to replace Carl Vinson in Pacific |last=Cohen |first=Zachary |date=9 May 2017 |website=CNN |access-date=17 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517065749/http://edition.cnn.com/2017/05/09/politics/uss-ronald-reagan-sea-trial-carl-vinson-pacific/ |archive-date=17 May 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> After the short sea trials, ''Ronald Reagan'' returned to port, then left again on her annual cruise on 16 May to relieve her sister ship {{USS|Carl Vinson|CVN-70|2}}, which had been deployed near North Korea in light of political tensions.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tritten |first=Travis J. |date=16 May 2017 |title=Aircraft carrier Reagan leaves port to relieve Vinson strike group amid North Korea tensions |url=http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/aircraft-carrier-reagan-leaves-port-to-relieve-vinson-strike-group-amid-north-korea-tensions/article/2623190 |website=[[Washington Examiner]] |access-date=17 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517055417/http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/aircraft-carrier-reagan-leaves-port-to-relieve-vinson-strike-group-amid-north-korea-tensions/article/2623190 |archive-date=17 May 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kosaka |first=Tetsuro |date=17 May 2017 |title=USS Ronald Reagan leaves Yokosuka base |url=http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/International-Relations/USS-Ronald-Reagan-leaves-Yokosuka-base |newspaper=[[The Nikkei]] |access-date=17 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517051714/http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/International-Relations/USS-Ronald-Reagan-leaves-Yokosuka-base |archive-date=17 May 2017 }}</ref>

She visited Singapore in June<ref>{{cite web |url=http://navaltoday.com/2017/06/22/uss-ronald-reagan-underway-again-after-singapore-visit/ |title=USS Ronald Reagan underway again after Singapore visit |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=22 June 2017 |website=Naval Today |access-date=14 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711031905/http://navaltoday.com/2017/06/22/uss-ronald-reagan-underway-again-after-singapore-visit/ |archive-date=11 July 2017}}</ref> and then sailed to Australia where she participated in [[Exercise Talisman Saber]] with Australian and other forces in July.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/article/1242388/uss-ronald-reagan-begins-exercise-talisman-saber-2017/ |title=USS Ronald Reagan Begins Exercise Talisman Saber 2017 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=10 July 2017 |website=U.S. Indo-Pacific Command |access-date=14 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716040855/http://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1242388/uss-ronald-reagan-begins-exercise-talisman-saber-2017 |archive-date=16 July 2017}}</ref> She then made a port visit to [[Brisbane]]<ref>{{cite news |last=Hamilton-Smith |first=Lexy |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-23/uss-ronald-reagan-arrival-into-brisbane/8735616 |title=USS Ronald Reagan arrives into Brisbane port, thousands of US sailors to holiday |date=24 July 2017 |website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110010809/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-23/uss-ronald-reagan-arrival-into-brisbane/8735616 |archive-date=10 January 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> before returning to Japan on 9 August.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/uss-ronald-reagan-returns-to-yokosuka-after-nearly-3-month-deployment-1.482068 |title=USS Ronald Reagan returns to Yokosuka after nearly 3-month deployment |last=Cook |first=Leon |date=9 August 2017 |newspaper=Stars and Stripes |access-date=10 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810092047/https://www.stripes.com/news/uss-ronald-reagan-returns-to-yokosuka-after-nearly-3-month-deployment-1.482068 |archive-date=10 August 2017}}</ref> On 8 September she departed Yokosuka again to conduct patrols off Korea after the North Korean [[North Korean August 2017 missile launch over Japan|missile launch over Japan]] and [[2017 North Korean nuclear test|nuclear test]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/09/08/national/japan-based-u-s-carrier-leaves-yokosuka-surveillance-mission-amid-north-korea-tensions/ |title=Japan-based U.S. carrier leaves Yokosuka on surveillance mission amid North Korea tensions |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=8 September 2017 |newspaper=Japan Times |access-date=10 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910085730/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/09/08/national/japan-based-u-s-carrier-leaves-yokosuka-surveillance-mission-amid-north-korea-tensions/ |archive-date=10 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/130197 |title=USS Ronald Reagan departs Japan for regional patrol |last=Adams |first=Randy Lee |date=7 September 2017 |website=U.S. Pacific Fleet |access-date=10 September 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910063843/http://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/130197 |archive-date=10 September 2017 }} Retrieved</ref> On 2 October the ship visited [[Hong Kong]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Thousands of US Navy officers arrive in Hong Kong for USS Ronald Reagan port of call |url=http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2113729/thousands-us-navy-officers-arrive-hong-kong-uss-ronald |first1=Raymond |last1=Yeung |first2=Minnie |last2=Chan |newspaper=[[South China Morning Post]] |date=3 October 2017 |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018190950/http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2113729/thousands-us-navy-officers-arrive-hong-kong-uss-ronald |archive-date=18 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> She then participated in drills with the [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force]] off Okinawa.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kelly |first=Tim |date=11 October 2017 |title=US aircraft carrier drills with Japan as Air Force B-1 bombers buzz North Korea |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/us-aircraft-carrier-japan-air-force-b-1-bombers-north-korea-2017-10 |website=[[Business Insider]] |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018190919/http://www.businessinsider.com/us-aircraft-carrier-japan-air-force-b-1-bombers-north-korea-2017-10 |archive-date=18 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> After that, ''Ronald Reagan'' participated in drills off the Korean peninsula with the [[Republic of Korea Navy|South Korean Navy]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Gady |first=Franz-Stefan |date=16 October 2017 |title=US, ROK Navies Hold Military Drill off Korean Peninsula |url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/us-rok-navies-hold-military-drill-off-korean-peninsula/ |work=[[The Diplomat (magazine)|The Diplomat]] |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018191141/https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/us-rok-navies-hold-military-drill-off-korean-peninsula/ |archive-date=18 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> After the drills, she made a port visit at [[Busan]] in South Korea.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fichtl |first=Marcus |date=21 October 2017 |title=USS Ronald Reagan visits S. Korean port after weeklong joint naval drills |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/uss-ronald-reagan-visits-s-korean-port-after-weeklong-joint-naval-drills-1.493680 |work=Stars and Stripes |access-date=8 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108205646/https://www.stripes.com/news/uss-ronald-reagan-visits-s-korean-port-after-weeklong-joint-naval-drills-1.493680 |archive-date=8 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://navaltoday.com/2017/10/23/uss-ronald-reagan-pulls-into-busan-south-korea/ |title=USS Ronald Reagan pulls into Busan, South Korea |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=23 October 2017 |website=Naval Today |access-date=8 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108205923/http://navaltoday.com/2017/10/23/uss-ronald-reagan-pulls-into-busan-south-korea/ |archive-date=8 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 29 October, ''Ronald Reagan'' scrambled an undisclosed number of Super Hornets to intercept two Russian [[Tupolev Tu-95|Tu-95MS]] bombers that were heading towards the carrier on a [[Tokyo Express (flights)|Tokyo Express]] flight near Japan. The Russian bombers were accompanied by their own [[Sukhoi Su-35|Su-35S]] escort fighters. During their flights the bombers were also intercepted by [[Mitsubishi F-2|F-2]], [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II#Variants|F-4]] and [[Mitsubishi F-15J|F-15]] fighters of the [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Hodge Seck |first=Hope |date=1 November 2017 |title=The Ronald Reagan scrambled multiple fighter jets to escort Russian bombers away from the carrier |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/reagan-scrambled-fighters-to-escort-russian-bombers-away-from-carrier-2017-11 |work=[[Business Insider]] |access-date=8 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108210330/http://www.businessinsider.com/reagan-scrambled-fighters-to-escort-russian-bombers-away-from-carrier-2017-11 |archive-date=8 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://sofrep.com/93094/uss-ronald-reagan-scrambles-fighters-to-intercept-approaching-russian-bombers-in-the-pacific/ |title=USS Ronald Reagan scrambles fighters to intercept approaching Russian bombers in the Pacific |last=Hollings |first=Alex |date=2 November 2017 |website=Sofrep.com |access-date=8 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108211821/https://sofrep.com/93094/uss-ronald-reagan-scrambles-fighters-to-intercept-approaching-russian-bombers-in-the-pacific/ |archive-date=8 November 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gady |first=Franz-Stefan |date=2 November 2017 |title=US Aircraft Carrier Scrambles Jets to Intercept Russian Strategic Bombers |url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/11/us-aircraft-carrier-scrambles-jets-to-intercept-russian-strategic-bombers/ |work=[[The Diplomat (magazine)|The Diplomat]] |access-date=8 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108205129/https://thediplomat.com/2017/11/us-aircraft-carrier-scrambles-jets-to-intercept-russian-strategic-bombers/ |archive-date=8 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November destroyers assigned to ''Ronald Reagan'' conducted exercises with the Indian Navy<ref>{{cite news |title=Indian Navy ships conduct PASSEX with Ronald Reagan Strike Group destroyers |url=https://defpost.com/indian-navy-ships-conduct-passex-ronald-reagan-strike-group-destroyers/ |first=Arun |last=Mathew |work=Defpost.com |date=6 November 2017 |access-date=30 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109022711/https://defpost.com/indian-navy-ships-conduct-passex-ronald-reagan-strike-group-destroyers/ |archive-date=9 November 2017 }}</ref> after which the Indian Navy ships joined by a [[Japan Self-Defense Forces]] destroyer conducted more exercises with ''Ronald Reagan''.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=U.S. Navy carrier drills with Japanese, Indian navy in Sea of Japan |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-japan-us/u-s-navy-carrier-drills-with-japanese-indian-navy-in-sea-of-japan-idUSKBN1D70ED |first1=Nobuhiro |last1=Kubo |first2=Tim |last2=Kelly |work=[[Reuters]] |date=7 November 2017 |access-date=8 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108021443/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-japan-us/u-s-navy-carrier-drills-with-japanese-indian-navy-in-sea-of-japan-idUSKBN1D70ED |archive-date=8 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Later in November the vessel conducted drills with two other US aircraft carriers, {{USS|Nimitz||2}} and {{USS|Theodore Roosevelt|CVN-71|2}}. It was the first time in a decade that three US carrier strike groups had operated together in Asia. They were also joined by the Japanese helicopter destroyer [[JDS Ise|''Ise'']] and the guided missile destroyers [[JDS Inazuma (DD-105)|''Inazuma'']] and [[JS Makinami|''Makinami'']]. After working with the Japanese warships the carrier groups conducted drills with seven South Korean vessels, including two [[Sejong the Great-class destroyer|Aegis-equipped destroyers]]. The drills were timed to coincide with the [[List of international presidential trips made by Donald Trump#2017|Asian tour]] of US President [[Donald Trump]] amid tensions with North Korea.<ref>{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Jesse |date=12 November 2017 |title=Japanese warships join three U.S. aircraft carriers for massive display of military might |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/12/national/japanese-warships-join-three-u-s-aircraft-carriers-massive-display-military-might/#.Wgw4-ktx21s |work=[[Japan Times]] |access-date=15 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115210147/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/12/national/japanese-warships-join-three-u-s-aircraft-carriers-massive-display-military-might/#.Wgw4-ktx21s |archive-date=15 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lendon |first=Brad |date=14 November 2017 |title=North Korea: 3 US aircraft carriers creating 'worst ever' situation |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/11/12/politics/us-navy-three-carrier-exercise-pacific/index.html |work=[[CNN]] |access-date=15 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115024944/http://www.edition.cnn.com/2017/11/12/politics/us-navy-three-carrier-exercise-pacific/index.html |archive-date=15 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/11/3-us-carrier-strike-groups-hold-massive-naval-drill-with-south-korean-japanese-navies-in-western-pacific/ |title=3 US Carrier Strike Groups Hold Massive Naval Drill with South Korean, Japanese Navies in Western Pacific |last=Gady |first=Franz-Stefan |date=13 November 2017 |website=The Diplomat |access-date=15 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115215912/https://thediplomat.com/2017/11/3-us-carrier-strike-groups-hold-massive-naval-drill-with-south-korean-japanese-navies-in-western-pacific/ |archive-date=15 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:A C-2A Greyhound lands on the flight deck of USS Ronald Reagan. (35349241870).jpg|thumb|The lost [[Grumman C-2 Greyhound|C-2A]], seen here landing in July 2017]]
On 22 November, a [[Grumman C-2 Greyhound|C-2A Greyhound]] cargo plane of [[VRC-30]] with 11 crew and passengers aboard crashed into the Philippine Sea 145&nbsp;km northwest of [[Okinotorishima]] while flying from [[Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni]] to the carrier. It was the first C-2 loss since 2005,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a13865106/us-navy-transport-crashes-en-route-to-aircraft-carrier/ |title=U.S. Navy Transport Crashes En Route to Aircraft Carrier |last=Mizokami |first=Kyle |date=26 November 2017 |magazine=[[Popular Mechanics]] |access-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129024528/http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a13865106/us-navy-transport-crashes-en-route-to-aircraft-carrier/ |archive-date=29 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> and the first fatal crash since 1973. Eight of the 11 were rescued.{{refn|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-navy-c-2-greyhound-crashes-in-philippine-sea-443556/ |title=US Navy C-2 Greyhound crashes in Philippine Sea |website=[[FlightGlobal]] |date=22 November 2017 |access-date=23 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122191828/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-navy-c-2-greyhound-crashes-in-philippine-sea-443556/ |archive-date=22 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/22/world/asia/us-navy-japan.html |title=Navy Aircraft With 11 Aboard Crashes Into Waters Off Japan |newspaper=The New York Times |date=22 November 2017 |access-date=22 November 2017 |first=Motoko |last=Rich |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122101516/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/22/world/asia/us-navy-japan.html |archive-date=22 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/us-navy-plane-carrying-11-crashes-in-the-philippine-sea-2017-11 |title=US Navy plane carrying 11 crashes in the Philippine Sea en route to aircraft carrier |last=Lockie |first=Alex |date=22 November 2017 |website=[[Business Insider]] |access-date=23 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123002536/http://www.businessinsider.com/us-navy-plane-carrying-11-crashes-in-the-philippine-sea-2017-11 |archive-date=23 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/22/three-missing-us-navy-plane-crashes-philippine-sea |title=Three missing after US navy plane crashes in Philippine Sea |last=Walters |first=Joanne |date=23 November 2017 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=23 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123094650/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/22/three-missing-us-navy-plane-crashes-philippine-sea |archive-date=23 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://theaviationist.com/2017/11/22/u-s-navy-aircraft-carrying-11-crew-and-passengers-crashed-in-the-ocean-southeast-of-okinawa/ |title=U.S. Navy C-2A Aircraft Carrying 11 Crew And Passengers Crashed In The Ocean Southeast Of Okinawa |last=Cenciotti |first=David |date=22 November 2017 |newspaper=The Aviationist |access-date=23 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122192212/https://theaviationist.com/2017/11/22/u-s-navy-aircraft-carrying-11-crew-and-passengers-crashed-in-the-ocean-southeast-of-okinawa/ |archive-date=22 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=103492 |title=Search Ends For Sailors in C-2A Crash |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=23 November 2017 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=25 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171125011811/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=103492 |archive-date=25 November 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>}} ''Ronald Reagan'' returned to Yokosuka on 4 December.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/families-welcome-uss-ronald-reagan-home-to-japan-after-tough-fall-deployment-1.500739 |title=Families welcome USS Ronald Reagan home to Japan after 'tough' fall deployment |last=Hlavac |first=Tyler |date=4 December 2017 |newspaper=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] |access-date=6 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206135810/https://www.stripes.com/news/families-welcome-uss-ronald-reagan-home-to-japan-after-tough-fall-deployment-1.500739 |archive-date=6 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Maeda |first=Motoyuki |date=4 December 2017 |title=USS Ronald Reagan back in Yokosuka after show of strength |url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201712040024.html |newspaper=[[Asahi Shimbun]] |access-date=6 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205234308/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201712040024.html |archive-date=5 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2018===
In 17 May ''Ronald Reagan'' conducted sea trials and on 28 May 2018 she departed on her regular patrol of the Pacific.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1533504/ronald-reagan-strike-group-departs-for-patrol/ |title=Ronald Reagan Strike Group departs for patrol |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=28 May 2018 |website=[[United States Navy]] |access-date=30 May 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608101909/http://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1533504/ronald-reagan-strike-group-departs-for-patrol/ |archive-date=8 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier leaves Yokosuka base for regional patrol |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/05/29/national/uss-ronald-reagan-aircraft-carrier-leaves-yokosuka-base-regional-patrol/#.WxFHBi-B2i4 |newspaper=[[Japan Times]] |date=29 May 2018 |access-date=1 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529085429/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/05/29/national/uss-ronald-reagan-aircraft-carrier-leaves-yokosuka-base-regional-patrol/#.WxFHBi-B2i4 |archive-date=29 May 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/05/us-navy-carrier-strike-group-departs-for-patrol-in-western-pacific-ocean/ |title=US Navy Carrier Strike Group Departs for Patrol in Western Pacific Ocean |last=Gady |first=Franz-Stefan |date=30 May 2018 |magazine=[[The Diplomat (magazine)|The Diplomat]] |access-date=1 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529203605/https://thediplomat.com/2018/05/us-navy-carrier-strike-group-departs-for-patrol-in-western-pacific-ocean/ |archive-date=29 May 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1539073/ronald-reagan-welcomes-cvw-5/ |title=Ronald Reagan Welcomes CVW-5 |last=Lagazo |first=Janweb |date=3 June 2018 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=8 June 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141357/http://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1539073/ronald-reagan-welcomes-cvw-5/ |archive-date=12 June 2018 }}</ref> Her departure was several weeks late. The delay was caused by a "material issue" that required repairs to issues found during the sea trials. [[Touch-and-go landing|Field Carrier Landing Practice]] for aircrew on [[Iwo Jima]] were also delayed.<ref>{{cite news |last=Doornbos |first=Catlin |date=17 May 2018 |title='Material issue' delays USS Ronald Reagan's upcoming deployment |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/material-issue-delays-uss-ronald-reagan-s-upcoming-deployment-1.527468 |newspaper=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] |access-date=5 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518215552/https://www.stripes.com/news/material-issue-delays-uss-ronald-reagan-s-upcoming-deployment-1.527468 |archive-date=18 May 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ziezulewicz |first=Geoff |date=1 June 2018 |title=The carrier Ronald Reagan was late to deploy last month — here's why |url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2018/06/01/the-carrier-ronald-reagan-was-late-to-deploy-last-month-heres-why/ |newspaper=[[Navy Times]] |access-date=5 July 2018}}</ref> After patrolling through the disputed South China Sea, the ship visited the Philippines for the first time,<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=WATCH: USS Ronald Reagan docks in the Philippines for the first time |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/205881-video-uss-ronald-reagan-docks-philippines |work=[[Rappler]] |date=27 June 2018 |access-date=5 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705093935/https://www.rappler.com/nation/205881-video-uss-ronald-reagan-docks-philippines |archive-date=5 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Doornbos |first=Caitlin |date=27 June 2018 |title=7th Fleet ships stop in the Philippines, 'a favorite port visit for sailors' |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/7th-fleet-ships-stop-in-the-philippines-a-favorite-port-visit-for-sailors-1.534941 |work=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] |access-date=5 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705093140/https://www.stripes.com/news/7th-fleet-ships-stop-in-the-philippines-a-favorite-port-visit-for-sailors-1.534941 |archive-date=5 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> and stayed for four days.<ref>{{cite web |last=Esmaquel |first=Paterno |date=4 July 2018 |title=3 U.S. carrier visits to Philippines show America cares – envoy |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/206461-united-states-carriers-philippines-visits-2018 |website=[[Rappler]] |access-date=5 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704061625/https://www.rappler.com/nation/206461-united-states-carriers-philippines-visits-2018 |archive-date=4 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

From 7 to 16 June the carrier participated in the [[Malabar (naval exercise)|Malabar]] 2018 exercise with Japan and India near Guam.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://japan.stripes.com/news/indian-japanese-and-us-maritime-forces-participate-exercise-malabar-2018 |title=Indian, Japanese and U.S. maritime forces to participate in exercise Malabar 2018 |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=4 June 2018 |website=Stars and Stripes Japan |access-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727181409/https://japan.stripes.com/news/indian-japanese-and-us-maritime-forces-participate-exercise-malabar-2018 |archive-date=27 July 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gady |first=Franz-Stefan |date=5 June 2018 |title=India, US, and Japan to Hold 'Malabar' Naval War Games This Week |url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/06/india-us-and-japan-to-hold-malabar-naval-war-games-this-week/ |work=[[The Diplomat (magazine)|The Diplomat]] |access-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613220800/https://thediplomat.com/2018/06/india-us-and-japan-to-hold-malabar-naval-war-games-this-week/ |archive-date=13 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Malabar 2018: All you need to know about the trilateral naval exercise |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/malabar-2018-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-trilateral-naval-exercise-118061500484_1.html |newspaper=[[Business Standard]] |date=15 June 2018 |access-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727212144/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/malabar-2018-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-trilateral-naval-exercise-118061500484_1.html |archive-date=27 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://navaltoday.com/2018/06/20/malabar-2018-concludes-off-guam/ |title=Malabar 2018 concludes off Guam |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=20 June 2018 |website=Naval Today.com |access-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727181010/https://navaltoday.com/2018/06/20/malabar-2018-concludes-off-guam/ |archive-date=27 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Ronald Reagan'' returned to Yokosuka on 24 July.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1582241/ronald-reagan-strike-group-returns-from-patrol/ |title=Ronald Reagan Strike Group Returns From Patrol |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=23 July 2018 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=28 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728160713/http://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1582241/ronald-reagan-strike-group-returns-from-patrol/ |archive-date=28 July 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Doornbos |first=Caitlin |date=24 July 2018 |title=USS Ronald Reagan returns to Yokosuka after 2-month deployment |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/uss-ronald-reagan-returns-to-yokosuka-after-2-month-deployment-1.539176 |work=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] |access-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727181358/https://www.stripes.com/news/uss-ronald-reagan-returns-to-yokosuka-after-2-month-deployment-1.539176 |archive-date=27 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Soule |first=Codie |date=27 July 2018 |title=Ronald Reagan Strike Group returns from patrol |url=http://seapowermagazine.org/stories/20180725-RonaldReagan.html |work=[[Seapower (magazine)|Seapower]] |access-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725225017/http://seapowermagazine.org/stories/20180725-RonaldReagan.html |archive-date=25 July 2018 }}</ref> On 27 July along with other vessels she left port again to avoid [[2018 Pacific typhoon season#Typhoon Jongdari|Typhoon Jongdari]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Doornbos |first=Caitlin |date=27 July 2018 |title=Many 7th Fleet vessels ship out ahead of incoming Typhoon Jongdari |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/many-7th-fleet-vessels-ship-out-ahead-of-incoming-typhoon-jongdari-1.539748 |work=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] |access-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727102157/https://www.stripes.com/news/many-7th-fleet-vessels-ship-out-ahead-of-incoming-typhoon-jongdari-1.539748 |archive-date=27 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> returning on 30 July.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvoEhcxLYrQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/CvoEhcxLYrQ| archive-date=11 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=M'18/7/30 松辰（USS RONALD REAGAN. CVN-76入港 港めぐりより） |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=30 July 2018 |website=YouTube |access-date=30 July 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> She left port again ahead of a typhoon on 7 August.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/fc_8eQmlKuU Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210308183020/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc_8eQmlKuU Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc_8eQmlKuU |title=M'18/8/7 松辰 横須賀軍港（CVN-76 USS RONALD REAGAN. 2回目の台風避難へ） |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=9 August 2018 |website=YouTube |access-date=2 September 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 31 August 2018, the carrier conducted training with the {{sclass|Izumo|helicopter destroyer|2}} {{ship|JS|Kaga||2}}, of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/09/01/national/japanese-helicopter-destroyer-trains-u-s-aircraft-carrier-disputed-south-china-sea/ |title=Japanese helicopter destroyer trains with U.S. aircraft carrier in disputed South China Sea |last=Johnson |first=Jesse |date=1 September 2018 |newspaper=[[Japan Times]] |access-date=1 September 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901215804/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/09/01/national/japanese-helicopter-destroyer-trains-u-s-aircraft-carrier-disputed-south-china-sea/ |archive-date=1 September 2018}}</ref>

On 21 November 2018, the ship visited Hong Kong.<ref>{{cite news |title=USS Ronald Reagan arrives in Hong Kong after dual-carrier ops in Philippine Sea |date=21 November 2018 |url=https://navaltoday.com/2018/11/21/uss-ronald-reagan-arrives-in-hong-kong-after-dual-carrier-ops-in-philippine-sea/ |access-date=20 December 2018 |work=Naval Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230304/https://navaltoday.com/2018/11/21/uss-ronald-reagan-arrives-in-hong-kong-after-dual-carrier-ops-in-philippine-sea/ |archive-date=20 December 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> The ship backfitted the existing AN/SPS-48E three-dimensional (3D), air search radar with the AN/SPS-48G.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2167957/ansps-48g/|title=AN/SPS-48G |website=U.S. Navy Office of Information}}</ref>

===2019===
On 24 August 2019, ''Ronald Reagan'' returned to Yokosuka Naval Base, after a very short patrol of the western Pacific. The vessel made two stops over the deployment. First at [[Brisbane]] to join the 2019 [[Exercise Talisman Saber]] off Australia's east coast, then at [[Manila]] for a brief port visit on the week of 11 August; between those two points the ship had transited the South China Sea in order to send a message to Beijing that the seas must be free and open. Admiral [[Karl O. Thomas]] used "[[Freedom of Navigation Operations]]" to stress that point when his weaker allies could not.<ref name="venzon19">{{cite news |last1=VENZON |first1=CLIFF |title=US aircraft carrier drops anchor in Manila to send China message |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/US-aircraft-carrier-drops-anchor-in-Manila-to-send-China-message |publisher=Nikkei Inc |date=11 August 2019}}</ref> The ship also participated in several exercises at sea with partner nations, most recently with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.<ref name=stripes19>{{cite news |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/us/uss-ronald-reagan-returns-to-japan-after-three-months-at-sea-1.595647 |last=Doornbos |first=Caitlin |title=USS Ronald Reagan returns to Japan after three months at sea |date=24 August 2019 |work=Stars and Stripes |access-date=2 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812152544/https://www.stripes.com/news/us/uss-ronald-reagan-returns-to-japan-after-three-months-at-sea-1.595647|archive-date=12 August 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2020===
{{main|COVID-19 pandemic on naval ships}}
The coronavirus pandemic was reported to have spread to ''Ronald Reagan'' when the first two cases were reported on 27 March 2020.<ref name="reagan.fox">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/coronavirus-theodore-roosevelt-aircraft-carrier |title=More than 30 coronavirus cases on Pacific aircraft carrier, new ones discovered on another carrier in Japan: officials |last=Tomlinson |first=Lucas |work=Fox News |date=27 March 2020 |access-date=8 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/news/navy-uss-ronald-reagan-coronavirus |title=A second aircraft carrier is reportedly facing a COVID-19 outbreak |work=Task & Purpose |last=Keller |first=Jared |date=29 March 2020 |access-date=8 April 2020}}</ref> The positive cases forced the closure of the naval base outside Tokyo where the carrier is based, with all personnel on base told to stay indoors for 48 hours.<ref name="reagan.fox"/>

On 5 July 2020, the ''Ronald Reagan'' Carrier Strike Group was deployed to the [[South China Sea]] along with {{USS|Nimitz}}.<ref name="Deployed">{{cite news |author1=Jakes, Lara |title=With Beijing's Military Nearby, U.S. Sends 2 Aircraft Carriers to South China Sea |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/04/us/politics/south-china-sea-aircraft-carrier.html |access-date=2 November 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=4 July 2020}}</ref>

===2021===
On 26 June 2021, ''Ronald Reagan'' was deployed to the Middle East to help with the [[Withdrawal of United States troops from Afghanistan (2020–2021)|withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The US Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier has left the Pacific to cover the Afghanistan pullout|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/us-navy-ronald-reagan-carrier-cover-afghanistan-pullout-2021-6|website=Business Insider|author=Ryan Pickrell|date=26 June 2021|access-date=28 June 2021}}</ref>

===2022===
In late May 2022, ''Ronald Reagan'' was relieved by {{USS|Abraham Lincoln|CVN-72|6}} at [[Sasebo, Japan]]. ''Ronald Reagan'' led [[Carrier Strike Group 5]] into the [[Philippine Sea]].<ref>{{cite news |title=USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: May 23, 2022 |url=https://news.usni.org/2022/05/23/usni-news-fleet-and-marine-tracker-may-23-2022 |work=[[USNI News]] |date=1 June 2022 |access-date=2 June 2022}}</ref>

''Ronald Reagan'' departed [[Singapore]]'s [[Changi Naval Base]] on 23 July to transit the [[South China Sea]]. President [[Joe Biden]] exchanged words with [[Chinese Communist Party]] leader [[Xi Jinping]] over [[Nancy Pelosi]]'s visit to [[Taiwan]], which was only a possibility at that point. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman [[Zhao Lijian]] that his bosses were getting "seriously prepared".<ref name=bbg22>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-28/us-aircraft-carrier-enters-south-china-sea-amid-taiwan-tensions#xj4y7vzkg |title=US Carrier Group Enters South China Sea Amid Taiwan Tensions |date=28 July 2022 |publisher=Bloomberg |first1=Philip |last1=Heijmans |first2=Anthony |last2=Capaccio}}</ref>

On 4 August 2022, [[United States National Security Council]] spokesman [[John Kirby (admiral)|John Kirby]] announced that ''Ronald Reagan'' had been ordered to remain in the vicinity of [[Taiwan]] in response to missile launches conducted by [[China]], which in turn were a response to [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]] [[Nancy Pelosi]]'s [[2022 visit by Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan|visit to Taiwan]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olander |first=Olivia |date=4 August 2022 |title=U.S. orders aircraft carrier to remain in the region amid China-Taiwan tensions |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/08/04/china-taiwan-missile-aircraft-00049925 |access-date=5 August 2022 |website=[[Politico]] |language=en}}</ref> On 19 August 2022, ''Ronald Reagan'' returned to her home port of [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka|Yokosuka, Japan]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Alex |title=USS Ronald Reagan back in Japan after three months at sea |url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2022-08-19/uss-ronald-reagan-yokosuka-japan-7034192.html |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=Stars and Stripes |date=19 August 2022}}</ref>

On 12 September 2022, ''Ronald Reagan'' departed Yokosuka for the second leg of her regional patrol.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Alex |title=Aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan departs Japan for second leg of regional patrol |url=https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2022-09-12/ronald-reagan-aircraft-carrier-deploys-7302155.html |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=Stars and Stripes |date=12 September 2022}}</ref> ''Ronald Reagan'' arrived at [[Busan|Busan, South Korea]] for a scheduled port visit on 23 September 2022. This was the first time in four years that a US Navy aircraft carrier had visited South Korea.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Josh |title=U.S. aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea as warning to North |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us-aircraft-carrier-arrives-south-korea-warning-north-korea-2022-09-22/ |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=Reuters |date=23 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Min-ho |first1=Jung |title=USS Ronald Reagan arrives in Busan as warning to North Korea |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2022/09/205_336607.html |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=The Korea Times |date=23 September 2022}}</ref>

=== 2023 ===
In April 2023 the Commander, Naval Air Forces announced that {{USS|George Washington|CVN-73|6}} would again be homeported at [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka|Fleet Activities Yokosuka]] in Japan and would relieve ''Ronald Reagan'' beginning in 2024. ''Ronald Reagan'' will depart Yokosuka and relocate to Bremerton, Washington, to conduct a scheduled [[Dry dock|Drydocking]] at [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=George Washington to replace Ronald Reagan as the forward-deployed carrier in Japan in 202 |url=https://www.cpf.navy.mil/Newsroom/News/Article/3378740/george-washington-to-replace-ronald-reagan-as-the-forward-deployed-carrier-in-j/https://www.cpf.navy.mil/Newsroom/News/Article/3378740/george-washington-to-replace-ronald-reagan-as-the-forward-deployed-carrier-in-j/ |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=U.S. Pacific Fleet |language=en-US }}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> On 25 June 2023, ''Ronald Reagan'' and two escort cruisers, {{USS|Antietam|CG-54|2}} and {{USS|Robert Smalls|CG-62|2}}, made a port call in Tien Sa port in [[Da Nang, Vietnam]] and remained until 30 June. This is the third visit a US carrier has made to Vietnam since 2018, with another visit occurring in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 June 2023 |title=The US Navy ship entered Tien Sa port, starting to visit Da Nang |url=https://tuoitre.vn/doan-tau-hai-quan-my-vao-cang-tien-sa-bat-dau-tham-da-nang-2023062515301462.html}}</ref>
{{out of date|date=April 2024}}

=== 2024 ===
In May 2024, the ship left [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka |Yokosuka]] for her final patrol as the US Navy's only forward deployed carrier in advance of her homeport change to [[Naval Base Kitsap]]. This is concurrent with USS ''George Washington''{{'}}s homeport shift to Yokosuka.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.usni.org/2024/05/16/carrier-uss-ronald-reagan-leaves-japan-for-the-last-time |title=Carrier USS Ronald Reagan Leaves Japan for the Last Time |date=16 May 2024 }}</ref>