USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) is the fourth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. Her history began on September 30, 1980, when a contract was awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding.

Construction began on October 31, 1981, when Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger authenticated the keel laying of TR by initiating the first weld.

She was the first aircraft carrier to be assembled in large sections, or modules. The process started with the ship in pieces, much like a plastic model. The pieces were pre-staged in "lay-down" areas, assembled into large modules, hoisted into place, and welded together. Many of the larger systems were installed in the modules while they were still in the lay-down areas. This reduced the need for cutting and rewelding access passages. Modular construction, made possible through the use of a huge gantry crane capable of lifting 900 tons, cut 16 months off TR's construction time. The innovative construction techniques employed in Theodore Roosevelt have been used on every aircraft carrier since.

Capt. Paul W. Parcells was named Prospective commanding officer in February 1984 and in October 1984 the ship was officially christened. On October 25, 1986, TR was placed in active service.

Capt. Dayton W. Ritt became USS Roosevelt`s second CO on October 3, 1987

On December 30, 1988, TR started her maiden deployment, which was also the maiden deployment of the first 10-squadron air wing, Carrier Air Wing Eight. CVW-8 distinguished itself by flying over 22,000 mishap free hours and completing over 10,000 sorties during the deployment.

On June 9, 1990, Capt. Charles S. Abbot became the ship's third commanding officer.

December 28, USS Theodore Roosevelt and CVW-8 deployed for Operations Desert Shield. She entered the war on Jan. 9, 1991, eventually flying over 4,200 sorties, more than any other carrier, and dropping over 4,800,000 pounds of ordnance before the cease-fire on Feb. 28. When Iraqi forces turned on the Kurds, TR and CVW 8 were among the first coalition forces in Operation Provide Comfort, flying patrols over northern Iraq. After a 189-day deployment, with 169 days at sea, the aircraft carrier returned to Norfolk on June 28, 1991.

In the night of Feb. 20, the 21 years old John Bridget, a Greenshirt, worked on the flight deck and helped to prepare the jets for takeoff. He was at the catapult where an A-6 Intruder stood ready for takeoff and he was too tired to notice that he was too close to the plane and suddenly he was sucked into the plane's turbine. The other people noticed the accident only when a jet of flame ran out of the plane's tail. The takeoff was then broken off but nobody really knew what to do. One moment later John Bridget crawl out of the turbine and collapsed on the flight deck. His only injuries were some scratches. He survived because of his protective suit which destroyed and stopped the turbine

August 27, 1992 Capt. Stanley W. Bryant became the fourth commanding officer of the CVN 71.

TR and CVW 8 began their third deployment on March 11, 1993, teamed with the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) to test the concept of embarking a multi-purpose Marine force in a carrier. The carrier hosted President Bill Clinton's first visit to a U.S. Navy ship, then sailed to the Adriatic as CVW-8 planes enforced Operation Deny Flight in the U.S. no-fly zone over Bosnia. In June, on the way to only her second port visit, she was ordered to turn around and transit the Suez Canal enroute to the Red Sea to participate in Operation Southern Watch, enforcing the no-fly zone over Iraq. Deployed for 184 days, USS Theodore Roosevelt spent 169 days underway. Her flight deck logged over 16,000 hours, and CVW-8 flew more sorties than during the Persian Gulf War.

In November 1993, CVN 71 entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) for a Selected Restricted Availability (SRA). Heading back to sea on Apr. 14, 1994, she became the first nuclear carrier to complete an SRA ahead of schedule at NNSY. On July 8, 1994, Capt. Ronald L. Christenson became Roosevelt`s fifth CO.

TR and CVW 8 began their fourth deployment on March 1995, operating in the Red Sea in support of Operation Southern Watch. She also provided a "Forward...from the Sea" presence, conducting flight operations in support of Operations Deny Flight and Sharp Guard over the skies of Bosnia and in the Adriatic operating areas. Deny Flight evolved into Operation Deliberete Force, as CVW 8 aircraft led NATO strikes against strategic Bosnian Serb targets in Sarajevo-Herzegovina. During Theodore Roosevelt's transit home, Secretary of the Navy John Dalton came aboard and awarded the Battle Group the Navy Unit Commendation for its Bosnia operations.

October 14, At the coast of North Carolina, during a training exercise, the guided missile cruiser Leyte Gulf (CG 55) crashed into the carrier. The collision ripped open the front of the Leyte Gulf and heavily damaged the rear of USS Theodore Roosevelt. The collision caused $9 million in damages to the cruiser and $7 million to the carrier.

November 1, 1996 Capt.David Architzel became Roosevelt's sixth commanding officer.

The aircraft carrier deployed for its fifth deployment on November 25, 1996, conducting operations in the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch.

On July 8, 1997, CVN 71 entered the Newport News Shipbuilding yard for a one-year Extended Drydock and Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA), her first major overhaul since commissioning.

September 22, 1998 Capt. David R. Bryant became seventh CO of USS Theodore Roosevelt.

The Norfolk-based aircraft carrier began its sixth deployment on March 26, 1999 with CVW-8. They were immediately called to duty in the Ionian Sea to support NATO's Operation Allied Force. TR and CVW-8 aircraft conducted air strikes for two months over the skies of Kosovo against the Serbians. They were then dispatched to support Operation Southern Watch, enforcing the "no-fly" zone over Southern Iraq. The ship returned to Norfolk, Virginia, on September 24.

During Allied Force, CVW 8 completed 3,400 combat missions, logged in excess of 12,000 flight hours and delivered 800 tons of ordnance on military targets throughout the Federal Republic Of Yugoslavia. Approximately 30 percent of the naval aircraft involved in the conflict came from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, flying off the deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt. Between 6 April and 9 June, CVW-8 aircraft flew 4,270 total sorties and 3,055 combat sorties. These sorties involved essential combat support missions, such as close air support, battlefield airborne interdiction, electronic support and airborne battlefield command and control, as well as strike missions. The Hornets, Prowlers and F-14 Tomcats of CVW-8 destroyed or damaged a total of 447 tactical targets and 88 fixed targets.

January 7, 2000 USS Theodore Roosevelt entered a Planned Incremental Availability at the Norfolk Naval Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia. This six-month maintenance period ended on June 30 when the ship departed on sea trials.

The aircraft carrier successfully completed her Inter-Deployment Training Cycle in August 2001.

September 19, 2001 CVN 71 departed on her seventh deployment with Carrier Air Wing One in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

As of early February 2002 the Roosevelt battle group had been operating at sea for a near-record 140 days without a port call, engaged in air operations in support of OEF. On February 19 the TR broke the record of 152 consecutive days at sea, set by the carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1980. On February 27 USS Theodore Roosevelt entered the port of Bahrain, where the US has maintenance and recreation facilities, after a record 160 days at sea. After breaking the record longest period underway since WWII, her crew only hit two ports after 159 days at sea. She was again awarded the Battenberg Cup, Naval Unit Commendation, and Battle E.

March 8, A U.S. Navy officer temporarily assigned aboard CVN 71 was reported missing. After being listed as missing, a search-and-rescue operation including two helicopters from HS-11 embarked aboard the carrier as well as one helicopter from HSL-42 embarked aboard USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) was implemented. 24 hours later, the search was terminated without success. On the morning of March 13, the Egyptian navy reported finding a body in the water near Port Sayeed Lighthouse that had identification matching the missing officer. The officer, temporarily assigned in USS Theodore Roosevelt, was a crewmember aboard Vella Gulf homeported in Norfolk, Va. At the time of the incident, the aircraft carrier was transiting the Mediterranean Sea on its way back to Naval Station Norfolk.

March 27, The Roosevelt returned to homeport from a six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The ship entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard in May 2002. Immediately, ship yard workers and crewmembers went to work chipping paint, grinding metal and updating the ship. The carrier ended her yard period on October 30.

On November 1, 2002 The Roosevelt was underway off the East Coast conducting sea trials and by Nov. 9 began flight deck certification with CVW-1. She returned to port on Nov. 17. In early December the carrier began TSTA.

USS Theodore Roosevelt began its Composite Unit Training Exercise Jan. 13 to complete another qualification in preparation for deployment. COMPTUEX will last approximately three weeks. The exercise is a series of tests, including blue water qualification, basic carrier operations skills and several days of war games to get the ship "battle ready".

On January 21, after various reports in the media indicated that a deployment had been ordered, the Navy confirmed that the CVN 71 Battle Group was to deploy for the Persian Gulf region as soon as the Battle Group had been certified.

Ships and aircraft of the TR CBG successfully completed their Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) February 4, and have been certified ready to deploy. The Battle Group will deploy from the Puerto Rican Operating Area today in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and other contingencies if required.

March 2, The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier pulled to Souda Bay, Crete, for a four-day port call.

May 29, USS Theodore Roosevelt returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a four-and-a-half month deployment in suport of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.

From July trough November the Roosevelt conducted trainings and CQ in the Atlantic Ocean. In December the TR was underway in Atlantic for TSTA.

February 19, 2004 CVN 71 pulled to NNSY for Planned Icremental Availabiity (PIA) period.

December 10, USS Theodore Roosevelt completed the ten-month PIA in NNSY and pulled to Atlantic Ocean for sea trials. She returned to Naval Station Norfolk on 15th.

January 18, 2005 The "Big Stick" is currently conducting flight deck certification in the Atlantic Ocean. The carrier responded to a call Jan. 15 to assist three men stranded on their sailboat approximately 200 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. The Coast Guard first received a call of distress from the men at approx 3:30 p.m., and immediately made contact with the Navy and USS Theodore Roosevelt, stating it was the closest in proximity to the vessel. TR was about 160 nautical miles northwest. The men, all from Ottawa, Canada, set sail January 12 from Moorhead City, N.C., headed for St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. They were flown back to aircraft carrier and taken to medical for evaluation.

February 18, Adm. John B. Nethman relieved Adm. William J. Fallon as Commander, Fleet Forces Command, in a ceremony held aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt.

March 10, CVN 71 had recently completed Inspection and Survey (INSURV) and is currently conducting carrier qualification, in Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Carolina, in preparation for upcoming training exercises.

March 12-13, The aircraft carrier conducted vertical replenishment (VERTREP) operations with USS John F. Kennedy to transfer ammunition and suplies in the Atlantic Ocean.

March 28, USS Theodore Roosevelt is currently underway conducting Tailored Ship Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP) in the Atlantic Ocean.

May 18, CVN 71 is currently in the Atlantic Ocean conducting routine carrier qualifications.

June 9, Capt. J.R. Haley relieved Capt. "Turk" Green, as commanding officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt, during a change-of-command ceremony held in the hangar bay.

June 23, The "Big Stick" is currently off the East Coast conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).

July 17, USS Theodore Roosevelt is currently underway for Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) in the Atlantic Ocean. More than 15,000 service members from four countries are participating in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 05-2, Operation Brewing Storm, July 14-22. The Spanish frigate SPS Alvaro de Bazan (F 101) will serve as a Theodore Roosevelt CSG ship during this exercise and the CSG's subsequent deployment. This marks the first time a European vessel has deployed as part of a U.S. CSG with this level of integration by participating in pre-deployment training and operating as a true strike group unit.

July 26, CVN 71 is currently underway conducting Operational Reactor Safeguards Exam (ORSE).

September 1, USS Theodore Roosevelt departed Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

September 27, The CSG transited the Suez Canel on the way to Persian Gulf. While in the Mediterranean Sea, the TR visited Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Sept. 13-17 and then made a two-day transit to Naples, Italy, for a port visit Sept. 19-23.

November 7, From Sept. 24-Nov. 1, CVW 8 conducted 2,070 sorties, 624 in support of OIF and 557 in support of Maritime Security Operations.

November 14, Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 continued support of Operation Steel Curtain throughout the second week of November, conducting five consecutive days of strikes against terrorist targets in support of coalition troops in Iraq. OSC is an offensive aimed at preventing cells of Al Qaeda from entering Iraq through the Syrian border. Since Nov. 6, CVW 8 has flown nearly 400 sorties in support of Steel Curtain. Coalition ground forces consisting of 1,000 Iraqi Army Soldiers and 2,500 U.S. Marines began the offensive Nov. 4 near the town of Husaybah near the Iraq/Syria border.

December 18, Helicopter and boat crews from the Thodore Roosevelt rescued one of the aircraft carrier’s crew members at approximately 3 a.m. after the Sailor fell overboard while the ship was conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the Persian Gulf. An investigation is underway. The Sailor fell overboard at approximately 2:15 a.m. during routine MSO.

December 28, CVN 71 departed Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, after a brief port call.

January 22, 2006 The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier once again pulled to Jebel Ali, U.A.E.

February 8, A chapter in naval aviation history drew to a close aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt with the last recovery of an F-14 Tomcat from a combat mission. Piloted by Capt. William G. Sizemore II, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Fighter Squadron (VF) 213’s aircraft 204 was trapped at 12:35 a.m. and marked one of the final stages of the Navy’s transition from the F-14 to F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet. Lt. Bill Frank, a VF-31 pilot, also took part in the last mission, and is credited with being the last pilot to ever drop a bomb from an F-14 Tomcat. During their final deployment with TR, VF-31 and 213 collectively completed 1,163 combat sorties totaling 6,876 flight hours, and dropped 9,500 pounds of ordnance during reconnaissance, surveillance, and close air support missions in support of OIF. VF-213 pilots who are making the transition to the Super Hornet will begin F/A-18F training in April, and the squadron will be operational, or “safe for flight,” in September. VF-31 pilots who are making the transition will begin F/A-18E training in October, and the squadron will be safe for flight in April 2007. This will make VF-31 the last official Tomcat squadron in the Navy.

February 15, CVN 71 and associated strike group units completed their support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) when the Roosevelt and USS San Jacinto (CG 56) transited the Suez Canal as they continue their return trip home. However, detachments from VAQ-141, VFA-87, and VFA-15, remain in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and will rejoin the TR later this month. Aircraft from CVW-8 launched more than 5,500 sorties, totaling more than 21,000 flight hours in support of OIF and MSO while in theater.

February 22, The aircraft carrier pulled to Souda Bay, Crete, for a routine port visit. The "Big Stick" entered the Atlantic Ocean March 3.

March 10, An F-14D "Tomcat" number 201 assigned to VF-213 "Black Lions", piloted by Lt. Ken Hockycko and Lt. Roy Emanuel, last departed CVN 71, marking the final launch of an F-14 fighter during an operational deployment.

March 11, USS Theodore Roosevelt returned to Norfolk after a six-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism. Carrier Air Wing Eight flew exactly 10,000 sorties and logged nearly 30,750 mishap-free flight hours. Of these, 3,300 flight hours were flown over Iraq delivering 52 bombs and air-to-ground missiles in support of coalition troops on the ground.

April 22, CVN 71 is currently underway of the East Coast maintaining qualifications as part of the Fleet Response Plan (FRP).

May 10, The Roosevelt departed Norfolk to conduct carrier qualifications.

June 7, Rear Adm. Michael Vitale assumed the position of Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two, during a change of command ceremony held aboard the Theodore Roosevelt. The ship is currently underway maintaining qualifications as part of the Fleet Response Plan.

July 21, More than 16,000 service members from five countries will participate in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 06-2 "Operation Bold Step," July 21-31. JTFEX 06-2 serves as the forward-certifying event for the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, and sustainment training for units from USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and USS Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group.

July 28, An F-14D "Tomcat" number 112, assigned to VF-31 "Tomccaters" and piloted by Lt. Blake Coleman and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Cmdr. Dave Lauderbaugh, was launched from catapult No. 3 at 4:42 p.m., from the "Big Stick", marking the final launch of an F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft. The last launch marks the end of an era for Naval Aviation. The F-14 will officially retire in September 2006, after 32 years of service to the fleet.

August 12, CVN 71 is currently underway off the East Coast, hosting a Friends and Family Day Cruise.

August 23, USS Theodore Roosevelt is currently in the Atlantic Ocean maintaining qualifications as part of the Fleet Response Plan.

September 20, The Norfolk-based aircraft carrier departed for CQ in the Atlantic Ocean.

October 18, TR is currently in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications as part of the FRP.

October 25, A ceremony honoring the 20th anniversary of the commissioning of the "Big Stick" took place in the ship's hangar bay at Naval Station Norfolk.

November 27, CVN 71 is currently off the East Coast maintaining carrier qualifications.

December 12, The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is conducting CQ off the coast of Virginia.

January 17, 2007 USS Theodore Roosevelt is currently maintaining qualifications as part of the fleet response plan.

February 6, TR departed Norfolk to conduct carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean.

February 12, USS Theodore Roosevelt transfered the ordnance to USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during an ammunition cross-deck Feb. 7-10.

March 7, CVN 71 pulled to Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a Docked Planned Incremental Availability. The Navy's fourth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier will undergo more than 90 major modifications, including a JP-5 (fuel system) alteration and installation of a new electronic throttle system in the ship's propulsion plants. The ship also will receive a rolling airframe missile modification for the Close-In Weapons System, and a local area network (LAN) system upgrade.

November 28, USS Theodore Roosevelt returned to Norfolk after a nearly nine-month PIA.

December 10, The "Big Stick" is currently underway off the coast of Virginia conducting carrier qualifications.

December 15, A ceremony remarking the 100th Anniversary Gala of the Navy's Great White Fleet was held aboard the Theodore Roosevelt in Naval Station Norfolk. Sixteen battleships departed Hampton Roads for a 14-month global voyage to test naval readiness, establish global presence, and generate international goodwill, Dec. 15, 1907. The deployment included 14,000 Sailors and covered 43,000 miles. The participating ships, painted white, later became known as the "Great White Fleet."

December 20, The Roosevelt returned to Norfolk after completing a three-day CQ.

January 11, 2008 Capt. Ladd Wheeler relieved Capt. J.R. Haley as commanding officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt.

January 28, CVN 71 is currently conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean.

February 8, TR returned to homeport after a two week of CQ and also took part in a connected replenishment (CONREP) with Military Sealift Command ammunition ship USNS Mount Baker (T-AE 34), transferring approximately three million pounds of supplies and ammunition onto the carrier.

March 4, USS Theodore Roosevelt is off the coast of Jacksonville, Fla., conducting carrier quailifications.

March 9, Ship's Serviceman 3rd Class George Earl Thompson Jr., assigned to the "Big Stick", died in Shands Trauma Center in Jacksonville, shortly after arrival, from a severe head injury he received when the aircraft carrier encountered heavy seas off the coast of Florida.

March 17, CVN 71 departed Naval Station Norfolk in preparation for upcoming CQ and the first strike group drills since leaving NNSY.

April 9, The TR Carrier Strike Group successfully completed the three-week Tailored Ship's Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP) on April 6 and returned to Norfolk.

April 18, Adm. William J. Fallon retired, after a 41 years of service, in a ceremony abord the Theodore Roosevelt. Fallon's final assignment was commander of U.S. Central Command from March 16, 2007 to March 11, 2008 and was the first naval officer to hold the position, which commands all U.S. forces in the middle east.

April 26, Capt. Daniel N. Dixon, Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, completed his 1,000th successful arrested landing aboard the TR.

May 16, USS Theodore Roosevelt CSG completed the three-week Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), in preparation for the upcoming deployment later this year.

May 25, CVN 71 completed four days of carrier qualifications for Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) May 23, qualifying pilots assigned to the VFA-106 "Gladiators".

June 7, The Roosevelt is currently off the East Coast conducting carrier qualifications for FRS.

July 22, USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Carrier Strike Groups, along with British aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (RO 7), the Brazilian Navy frigate Greenhalgh (F 46) and the French submarine FS Amethyste (S 605), are currently participating in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-4 "Operation Brimstone", July 21-31 off the eastern U.S. coast from Virginia to Florida. French Rafale fighter aircraft assigned to the 12th Squadron, and Hawkeye early warning aircraft assigned to the 4th Squadron will conduct carrier qualifications and cyclic flight operations with U.S. Carrier Air Wing 8 during the exercise. This marks the first integrated U.S. and French carrier qualifications and cyclic flight operations aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier.

August 5, The TR is undergoing operational reactor safeguard examination (ORSE) off the East Coast.

September 8, USS Theodore Roosevelt departed Norfolk for a scheduled Middle East deployment.

October 7, CVN 71 departed South Africa, after being anchored off the coast of Cape Town for three days. This port visit was a historic event as it marked the first time a U.S. aircraft carrier has visited South Africa in 40 years. The last time a carrier visited Cape Town was USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV 42) in 1967.

October 10, The Theodore Roosevelt and Monterey (CG 61) participated in a one-day theater security cooperation (TSC) exercise, with three South African ships and one French Navy ship, while underway in the Indian Ocean Oct. 9.

October 18, The Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 aircraft started supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, from the station in the North Arabian Sea.

November 19, Cmdr. Daniel "Retch" Buckon relieved Cmdr. Curt "Opie" Seth, as CO of VFA-31 "Tomcatters", during an aeriel change of command ceremony. USS Theodore Roosevelt recently departed Jebel Ali, U.A.E., after a scheduled port visit.

December 17, Cmdr. David J. Bryson relieved Cmdr. Michael D. McKenna as commanding officer of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 141, during an in-air change of command ceremony in the Gulf of Oman.

January 29, 2009 The TR recently departed Jebel Ali after another port call.

February 4, The two F/A-18 Hornet pilots, assigned to "Golden Warriors" VFA-87, accidentally touched during flight operations over the Arabian Sea Feb. 2. The jets safely returned to the Roosevelt. Neither pilot was injured, and both have been removed from flight status while the incident is evaluated.

March 4, Cmdr. Richard "Cheese" McGrath Jr. relieved Cmdr. Richard "Miggs" Zins as commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, during an in-air change of command ceremony in the Gulf of Oman.

March 9, USS Theodore Roosevelt, along with USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and USCGC Boutwell (WHEC 719), is currently participating in international naval exercise Aman 2009 off the coast of Pakistan March 5-14.

March 21, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) relieved USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Gulf of Oman as part of a normal rotation of forces and marked the end of the Roosevelt Strike Group's deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations (AoO). Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 flew more than 3,100 sorties into Afghanistan and has dropped 59,500 pounds of ordnance providing vital close air support to coalition forces operating as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

April 4, CVN 71 pulled to Portsmouth, England, for a four-day port call after providing air cover for U.S. President Barack Obama’s first official visit to the United Kingdom during the G20 Summit.

April 8, Fireman Amber Latricia Winbourne died from sudden cardiac arrest, while the carrier is in the English Channel on April 3.

April 18, USS Theodore Roosevelt returned to homeport after more than seven-month deployment.

May 19, The TR is currently off the East Coast off-loading ammunition.

May 30, The "Big Stick" departed Norfolk for a Friends and Family Day Cruise.

August 26, U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding a $2.4 billion contract for a major overhaul of USS Theodore Roosevelt. The work includes the re-fueling of the ship's reactors, as well as extensive modernization work to more than 2,300 compartments, 600 tanks and hundreds of systems. In addition, major upgrades will be made to the flight deck, catapults, combat systems and the carrier's "island."

August 29, USS Theodore Roosevelt pulled to Newport News for a 36-month refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH).