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By USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan - Airman Joseph Fontaine, a Patriot High School graduate and native of Riverside, California, received the COVID-19 Vaccine serving aboard the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan returned to Yokosuka, Nov. 14, 2020, following a six-month Indo-Pacific deployment.

Ronald Reagan transited nearly 60,000 miles as embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 flew more than 20,000 flight hours during a deployment that included exercises and operations with allies and partners across the region. 

While deployed, the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group conducted trilateral integrated operations with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Royal Australian Navy, flight operations in the Indian Ocean for the first time in more than four years, dual-carrier operations with the USS Nimitz (CVN 76) Carrier Strike Group, exercises Valiant Shield and Keen Sword, as well as, Expeditionary Strike Force operations with USS America (LHA 6).

Fontaine is an aviation ordnanceman responsible for safely moving, storing, and building airborne weapons onboard the ship. He explained why getting the Vaccine was essential to him.

"Getting the vaccine is my solution to going back out to Japan, taking in the sights, and enjoying all the delicious food," said Fontaine. "In other words, having things go back to normal."

In port, Ronald Reagan continues to provide forward presence, and the crew will maintain a high level of training and warfighting proficiency. Ronald Reagan will be postured and ready to respond to regional contingencies.

"Ronald Reagan's flexible presence is a key element in helping assure our regional allies and partners that the United States remains committed to ensuring freedom of the seas," said Capt. Fred Goldhammer, commanding officer of Ronald Reagan. "From the international dateline to the Indian Ocean to the Philippine Sea, and everywhere in between, onboard Ronald Reagan, we seek to preserve peace through strength,' and remain ready to answer the call."

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to support a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest numbered fleet globally. With the help of 35 other maritime-nation allies and partners, the U.S. Navy has operated in the Indo-Pacific region for more than 70 years, providing credible, ready forces to help preserve peace and prevent conflict.