Reagan Enhances Relations, Welcomes Argentina

USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- In an effort to enhance relations between the U.S. and Argentina navies June 17, five Argentinean aviators honed their carrier landing skills during a rare opportunity to practice “touch-and-goes” on the Navy’s newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

The Argentinean aircraft, two Super Entendars and three S-2 Trackers were successful in their practice landings.

“We appreciate the opportunity to transit around South America and develop these partnerships, and demonstrate the ability to operate together,” said Rear Adm. Robert Moeller, commander, Ronald Reagan Strike Group. “The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is able to demonstrate, particularly with Argentina, the capability inherent within a carrier strike group. We have the capacity to conduct these kinds of operations with our South American partners.”

In addition to hosting the “touch-and-goes,” Ronald Reagan also welcomed Sailors from the Argentinean ship, Spiro, as ship riders and honored guests.

For many of the Argentinean Sailors, this was their first visit to a U.S. aircraft carrier.

“I’ve been on a Brazilian aircraft carrier before, but not an American aircraft carrier,” said Lt. Gorman Cesari. “Maybe one day, (Argentina) will have an aircraft carrier. It’s a dream for us.”

Cesari added it’s quite an honor to land aircraft on a U.S. aircraft carrier.

According to Capt. (sel.) William Cooney, Ronald Reagan’s air boss, the Argentinean pilots performed very well.

“We are very pleased with the performance of the Argentinean pilots,” Cooney said. “They look like old pros out here.”

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