BREMERTON, Wash. — The USS Ronald Reagan arrived at Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton on Tuesday, bringing in around 2,800 U.S. Navy sailors who will call Kitsap County home.
The USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier spent the past nine years at its former home port in Yokosuka, Japan, where it was forward deployed. The ship departed from Japan on May 16 to start its trek to Washington, with stops along the way.
Now the ship will be receiving maintenance at Naval Base Kitsap. Naval Base Kitsap said the base will be the new home port for the ship.
Hundreds of family members came from all over the country to welcome home their sailors to U.S. soil.
“It's very emotional and very taxing on your heart to have your child serve in the military,” said Lorene Adams, whose son came in on the ship. “I’m just very proud of him.”
As the aircraft carrier pulled in, there were sailors lining the rails of the upper deck of the ship. The area along the water was filled with families holding up signs and cheering for their loved ones’ arrival.
“Oh God, it’s so good to see you,” said Lorene Adams, as she embraced her son, 24-year-old Jeremy Adams.
“It’s good to see you too, mama,” said Jeremy Adams. “Thank you for coming.”
It is not known how long the USS Ronald Reagan will have its home port at Naval Base Kitsap.