10 Things To Know About Uss Theodore Roosevelt Aircraft Carrier

The USS Theodore Roosevelt, also known as the "Big Stick," is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier that has been a vital part of the United States Navy's fleet since its commissioning in 1986. Here are 10 things to know about this impressive vessel:

1. Namesake and Commissioning

The USS Theodore Roosevelt is named after the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. The ship was commissioned on October 25, 1986, at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co. in Virginia.

Ships Stats

• Length: 1,092 feet (333 meters)
• Beam: 257 feet (78 meters)
• Displacement: 101,300 tons
• Speed: Over 30 knots (56 km/h)
• Crew: Over 5,000 personnel

2. Aircraft Carrier Capabilities

As a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt is designed to serve as a floating airbase, capable of carrying and launching a variety of aircraft, including:

• F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet fighter jets
• F-35C Lightning II stealth fighter jets
• E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft
• SH-60 Seahawk helicopters

Aircraft Carrier Operations

The USS Theodore Roosevelt has a flight deck that is over 4.5 acres in size, with four catapults and four arresting engines. The ship can launch and recover aircraft at a rate of one every 20 seconds.

3. Power and Propulsion

The USS Theodore Roosevelt is powered by two A4W nuclear reactors, which provide enough energy to power a small city. The ship is also equipped with four General Electric turbines, which produce over 260,000 horsepower.

Propulsion Systems

• Two A4W nuclear reactors
• Four General Electric turbines
• Four shafts with controllable pitch propellers

4. Combat Systems

The USS Theodore Roosevelt is equipped with a variety of combat systems, including:

• AN/SPS-67 surface search radar
• AN/SPS-64 air search radar
• AN/SQQ-89 sonar system
• Mk 38 25mm gun system
• Phalanx CIWS (Close-In Weapon System)

Electronic Warfare Systems

• AN/SLQ-32 electronic warfare system
• AN/SLQ-25 Nixie torpedo decoy system

5. Deployments and Operations

The USS Theodore Roosevelt has been involved in several major deployments and operations, including:

• Operation Desert Storm (1991)
• Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2002)
• Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2004)
• Operation Inherent Resolve (2015-2016)

Notable Operations

• In 1991, the USS Theodore Roosevelt played a key role in Operation Desert Storm, launching over 4,000 sorties against Iraqi targets.
• In 2001, the ship participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, providing air support for ground troops in Afghanistan.

6. Modernization and Upgrades

The USS Theodore Roosevelt has undergone several modernization and upgrade programs, including:

• The Navy's Nuclear Power Improvement Program (NPIP)
• The Service Life Extension Program (SLEP)
• The USS Theodore Roosevelt is currently undergoing a mid-life refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co.

Upgrade Details

• The NPIP upgrade program improved the ship's nuclear power plant, increasing its efficiency and reliability.
• The SLEP upgrade program extended the ship's service life by 10 years, improving its combat systems and electronics.

7. Awards and Honors

The USS Theodore Roosevelt has received several awards and honors, including:

• The Navy Unit Commendation (NUC)
• The Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC)
• The Navy "E" Ribbon
• The National Defense Service Medal

Awards and Honors

• The USS Theodore Roosevelt received the Navy Unit Commendation (NUC) for its service during Operation Desert Storm.
• The ship received the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) for its service during Operation Enduring Freedom.

8. Life on Board

Life on board the USS Theodore Roosevelt is unique and challenging. The ship has a crew of over 5,000 personnel, who live and work on board for extended periods.

Living Quarters

• The ship has over 2,000 living quarters, ranging from private staterooms to shared berthing compartments.
• The ship has a variety of amenities, including a gym, a library, and a chapel.

9. Gallery of USS Theodore Roosevelt

USS Theodore Roosevelt Image Gallery

10. Final Thoughts

The USS Theodore Roosevelt is an impressive and powerful vessel that has played a significant role in the United States Navy's fleet for over three decades. With its advanced combat systems, powerful propulsion, and dedicated crew, the ship is a force to be reckoned with.

We hope you have enjoyed this article about the USS Theodore Roosevelt. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us.