PCU Ronald Reagan : Navy's newest carrier—just add water - Cvn 76 - Precommissioning Unit, U.S

0 Comments | Naval Aviation News, July-August, 2002 | by Dan Ball

Deploying Sailors to different ships around the world greatly benefits the ones back in Newport News. The TAD Sailors work with real equipment in real sea conditions. "A brand new Sailor has nothing to really base his school training on," Corral said. "When they go on TAD they get to see how their training applies to almost everything they do. Then they come back to the PCU and teach the Sailors here what to expect."

Training provides a full work day for PCU crew members, while evenings can be spent at area movie theaters and nearby shopping malls. The PCU is also close to Virginia Beach, Fort Story, Little Creek, Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and Norfolk. For married Sailors, good housing and schools are nearby. While there is no mess hall at the command, there are many restaurants within walking distance. A popular diner is Eddie's, familiar to anyone who has been stationed at Newport News. During lunch, Sailors fill the tables while barked kitchen orders provide "background" for conversation.

A favorite event happens once a month when the ship's mess crew calls for volunteers to critique potential menu items. The word travels fast around the command and a line forms outside of the host building. The days of black-and-white labels on generic food are over. Now, first-rate entrees, desserts, salads and beverages are served for all to sample as the vendors vie for a slot on the Navy menu.

For many Ronald Reagan Sailors, this is not their first PCU. Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Hydraulics) First Class (AW/SW) Kenneth W. Letexier, who served during the final weeks of PCU Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), said it is interesting to be part of the beginning this time. "You see the putting together of the whole command, and lay down all of the guidelines and administrative tools. It becomes the groundwork for how the ship will be run in the future. The example you set today will be the standard that future crews go by."

For PCU Ronald Reagan personnel, "setting the example" seems to be the motto, and many of the Sailors expressed an interest in extending their tour for the first deployment. "I came here and saw the ship basically in pieces," ABF2 (AW) Edric Kidd said. "Then I learned what was going on and saw parts of the ship coming together, our spaces coming together, the crew coming together, and it makes me want to be there for the first deployment. I want to see what all of our work accomplished, and really be part of a brand-new ship."