Publication:The Fearless Times Issue 1 2009/Super Carrier — A visit to the USS Ronald Reagan
By CPOCTL Simon Butterworth
The Commanding officer and 12 members of the ship's company were fortunate to spend the day aboard America's flagship, the USS Ronald Reagan on 17 July 2009. The purpose of the visit was multi faceted; to pro-vide Commanding Officer USS Ronald Reagan, Captain Kenneth J. Norton and relevant members of his crew with a capability brief on HMAS Toowoomba and more importantly, to foster a close bond and professional relationship between the officers and sailors of Toowoomba and USS Ronald Reagan.
HMAS Toowoomba's Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk Helicopter "Pegasus" was used to ferry Toowoomba's crew across to the super carrier. The first apparent observation from the air is the awe-inspiring size of the carrier. Spanning over 332 metres in length and towering some 20 stories above the water-line, this floating mega city is home to some 5400 Officers and Enlisted men and women. The ship's motto really sums up exactly what USS Ronald Reagan is all about, "Peace Through Strength". If the size alone is not enough to intimidate a likely adversary, its combat air capability of over 80 aircraft certainly adds to it superiority.
From the outset the Officers and Sailors onboard USS Ronald Reagan made Toowoomba's crew feel more than welcome. The Americans really do appreciate our contribution in this part of the world and hold us in high regard. They see the Royal Australian Navy as an extremely professional and capable outfit and were impressed by our modest warship's capability. We really are making a difference up here.
If there is one thing the Americans do well apart from engineering and building gigantic maritime assets, it must be hospitality. Friday forenoon is USS Ronald Reagan's brunch day and in what can only be described as a culinary extravaganza; we were treated to an abundance of mouth watering treats such as freshly made waffles and pancakes, a full cooked buffet breakfast, piping hot percolated coffee including tempting deserts. Succulent roasts, fresh fruit, cold meats, fresh salads and juice added to the experience.
A tour of the ship was provided by USS Ronald Reagan's public relations officer and our crew members also got the opportunity to meet with their American counterparts to discuss job specific issues. The one thing that really stood out was just how impressed the Americans were with the level of training and skill sets we Australians have.
There will be more opportunities throughout the deployment for HMAS Toowoomba personnel to crossdeck on to this engineering masterpiece. HMAS Toowoomba also looks forward to hosting some of America's finest sailors for a true taste of Aussie hospitality.
