NORFOLK (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) returned to its homeport, Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 29, after conducting Sea Trials following an extensive four-year refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH).
Sea Trials are a multi-day underway period to test the carrier's systems and overall mission readiness. Theodore Roosevelt conducted Sea Trials after departing from Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) shipyard at Newport News, Va.
"I can't tell you how proud I am of this ship and crew," TR's commanding officer Capt. Daniel Grieco told the crew. "You've done a fantastic job putting the ship through her paces, testing every system and ensuring TR is a ready for tasking aircraft carrier and asset to Naval aviation. Enjoy the holiday weekend, then come back rested and ready to show the fleet that the 'Big Stick' is back and ready to be the pride of the fleet."
Throughout the ship, Sailors were excited to have their ship become operational, as some have spent most of their time aboard while in the shipyard.
"Heading to Norfolk means that we are going to be underway a lot, which is fun for me because I am in the Navy, and this is what I like to do," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd class Anna T. Brightwell.
Theodore Roosevelt is the fourth aircraft carrier to have successfully completed 25 years of service and to undergo RCOH. Next, TR begins focusing on additional training and certifications to once again become deployment ready.
