The Navy's newest nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) was commissioned July 12, 2003 at 11:00 AM at the Norfolk Naval Station. Dr. London attended the July 11 luncheon in honor of Mrs. Reagan sponsored by the Navy League of the United States Hampton Roads. Dr. London also attended Captain John W. Goodwin's Commanding Officer's reception and the commissioning the following day. The commissioning ceremony honored our 40th president, who devoted his presidency to Peace Through Strength. During the commissioning ceremony Mrs. Reagan gave the traditional order to "man our ship and bring her to life."

The USS Ronald Reagan is the ninth Nimitz-class carrier. The ship will be home to more than 5500 sailors, including both the ship’s company and air wing. It will support approximately 80 aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet strike fighters, the F-14 Tomcat fighter, the E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft, the C-2 Greyhound logistics aircraft, the S-3B Viking anti-submarine aircraft, the EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft and the multi-role SH-60F and MH-60 R/S helicopters.

The carrier is in the final phase of construction at Norfolk Naval Station. The keel was laid Feb. 12, 1998 and the ship was christened March 4, 2001 by the ship's sponsor, Mrs. Nancy Reagan. President Bush was the keynote speaker.

The USS Ronald Reagan will be homeported in Norfolk VA until the spring of 2004. She will then transit to her permanent home port of San Diego CA.