www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, September 30, 2021 5
SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 24, 2021) The U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) steams through international waters. (MC3 ASKIA COLLINS)
Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Returns to the South China Sea By Commander
Task Force 70 / Carrier Strike Group 5 Public Affairs
SOUTH CHINA SEA — The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is operating in the South China Sea for the second time during its 2021 deployment, Sept. 24 . The strike group enters the South China Sea after concluding successful naval operations in U.S. 5th Fleet, upholding mari-
time security and stability while Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 provided airpower to protect U.S. and coalition forces as they conducted drawdown operations from Afghanistan. “We look forward to leveraging our recent out-of-area experience as we return to the South China Sea and our rapidly growing alliances and partnerships dedicated to the Indo-Pacific,” said Rear Adm. Will Pennington, commander, Task Force 70,
Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5. “The deployment of Ronald Reagan carrier strike group to the middle east and rapid seamless return to the Pacific highlight the flexibility and responsiveness of a premier maritime force and the power and reach of global coalitions dedicated to the stability provided by international law and rules based order.” While in the South China Sea, the strike group will conduct fixed and rotary-wing flight operations, maritime strike exercises,
anti-submarine operations, and coordinated tactical training. “Ronald Reagan and all components of its strike group have operated with relentless energy and commitment throughout the deployment, showcasing the strength and resilience of America,” said Capt. Fred Goldhammer, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “As we continue our mission in the South China Sea, we remain vigilant and ready to answer the call.” The strike group will work with its network of partners and alliances to ensure maritime security and a free flow of commerce in the Indo-Pacific. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. U.S. 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Pacific area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict.
NMRTC New England Supports 24th Annual International Seapower Symposium By Naval Medical Forces Atlantic Public Affairs
NEWPORT, Rhode Island — Personnel from Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) New England provided COVID-19 mitigation support to the Naval War College’s (NWC) 24th Annual International Seapower Symposium, from Sept. 14 to 17. Prior to the actual event, NMRTC New England personnel collaborated with medical and administrative staff from Commander Naval Operations, Naval War College, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, Navy Marine Corps Public Health Center, and Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, to develop, test, and execute a plan to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. NMRTC New England staff and the augmented medical team held weekly meetings with stake-holders, developed frameworks, executed table-top exercises, supported subject matter experts, provided COVID-19 collection and testing, and maintained around-the-clock medical and administrative support throughout the event. This particular event brought together more than 140 delegates, including U.S. Secretary of the Navy, and international heads of navies and coast guards from more than 130 nations. This year’s theme was “strength in unity,” a theme the NMRTC New England planners and medical staff emulated. Cmdr. Christopher Young, the officerin-charge of the Newport Health Clinic said he understood the importance for maritime scholars to gather and collaborate together in person. “It’s essential that we have face-to-face interactions with our allies in order to strengthen relationships in support of maintaining freedom of the seas,” said Young. “But it’s imperative that
Surgeon General of the Navy Rear Adm. Bruce Gillingham, right, gives remarks during a COVID-19 panel at the 24th International Seapower Symposium (ISS). Hosted by the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, ISS provides a forum for dialogue that bolsters maritime security by providing opportunities for international heads of navies and coast guards to collaborate, develop trust, and further maritime training. (COURTESY PHOTO)
we do so safely. The mission to execute this evolution safely was made possible by our team’s extensive plan which was developed in coordination with many naval partners,” he said. The overall plan included contingencies to prevent COVID-19 coming into the U.S. by requiring full vaccination, pre-travel testing, testing upon arrival and during the event, and testing again before returning home. The team also recommended several strategies to prevent spread throughout the event. Furthermore, the team monitored
the visitors and provided care and response whenever needed. Due to the diligent planning, teamwork, and execution of this plan, only one positive COVID-19 case arose and that member was quickly isolated and cared for until they were ready to return home. Capt. Gordon Blighton, commanding officer of NMRTC New England, awarded the team the humanitarian service medal for their superior contribution and positive impact that had a direct and immediate on-site effect which significantly influenced the mitigation and spread of
COVID-19. “I could not be more proud to watch the planning and execution for this event come together so seamlessly,” Blighton said. “It is because of your dedication to our mission, and our ability to remain a flexible ready force that we are able to exceed expectations and foster a safe learning environment for all participants,” he added. NMRTC New England’s approximately 24,000 enrollees and 6,900 active duty students and operational forces in the Northeast Region.