Explore the USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN 71, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier serving as the fifth Nimitz-class carrier. Learn about its impressive capabilities, advanced technologies, and storied history. Discover its role in naval aviation, carrier strike groups, and fleet operations. Dive into its specifications, missions, and notable deployments.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is a Nimitz-class supercarrier, the fourth ship of the United States Navy to be named after the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. Commissioned in 1986, the USS Theodore Roosevelt has been one of the most formidable aircraft carriers in the world, playing a significant role in various military operations and humanitarian missions.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt has been involved in several high-profile operations, including the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War. Its impressive arsenal of aircraft, advanced radar systems, and robust defense mechanisms make it an invaluable asset to the United States military.
Design and Construction
The USS Theodore Roosevelt was designed by the Naval Sea Systems Command and built by the Newport News Shipbuilding Company in Virginia. The construction of the ship began in 1981, and it was launched in 1984. After undergoing a series of sea trials and testing, the USS Theodore Roosevelt was officially commissioned on October 25, 1986.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt measures 1,092 feet in length and 257 feet in width, with a displacement of over 100,000 tons. Its top speed exceeds 30 knots, making it one of the fastest aircraft carriers in the world.
Aircraft and Armament
The USS Theodore Roosevelt has a diverse range of aircraft at its disposal, including:
- F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighters
- F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters
- E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft
- SH-60 Seahawk helicopters
- EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft
In addition to its aircraft, the USS Theodore Roosevelt is equipped with a range of armament, including:
- Two Mk 29 Sea Sparrow missile launchers
- Two Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS)
- Two Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launchers
- Three 20mm Phalanx CIWS
Operational History
The USS Theodore Roosevelt has been involved in several high-profile operations throughout its history, including:
- Operation Desert Storm (1991)
- Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2014)
- Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2011)
- Operation Inherent Resolve (2014-present)
The USS Theodore Roosevelt has also been involved in several humanitarian missions, including disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH)
In 2017, the USS Theodore Roosevelt underwent a Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at the Newport News Shipbuilding Company in Virginia. The RCOH involved the replacement of the ship's nuclear reactors, as well as upgrades to its propulsion systems, electrical systems, and combat systems.
The RCOH was completed in 2020, and the USS Theodore Roosevelt is now expected to remain in service until the 2040s.
Gallery of USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN 71
USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN 71 Image Gallery
In conclusion, the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is an incredible feat of engineering and a testament to the United States' military prowess. With its impressive arsenal of aircraft, advanced radar systems, and robust defense mechanisms, the USS Theodore Roosevelt remains one of the most formidable aircraft carriers in the world.
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