During its last deployment, which concluded in October, the Reagan not only operated in U.S. 7th Fleet but also 5th Fleet to support the withdrawal of U.S. and coalition forces from Afghanistan.
Sailors aboard the Dwight D. Eisenhower are reporting myriad problems as the carrier gets ready to deploy -- again. While Navy leaders say any issues can be overcome, some officers worry how they will weigh on an already overburdened crew.
The pace of operations and Big Navy’s COVID suppression measures are placing added stress and strain upon sailors and raising questions in some circles about retention and the material readiness of Navy ships, compounding issues that existed well before the pandemic.