YOKOSUKA, Japan (March 1, 2021) – Chicago native and Jane Addams High School graduate Catherine Paul is serving on the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Sailors assigned to Ronald Reagan began receiving initial COVID-19 vaccinations at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), Jan. 7. Throughout February, Ronald Reagan Sailors who received the first shot will be given their second vaccination. The Ronald Reagan vaccinations followed 7th Fleet’s initial vaccinations, Jan. 5, and are part of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) prioritized, phas
YOKOSUKA, Japan (March 1, 2021) – Chicago native and Jane Addams High School graduate Catherine Paul is serving on the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Sailors assigned to Ronald Reagan began receiving initial COVID-19 vaccinations at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), Jan. 7. Throughout February, Ronald Reagan Sailors who received the first shot will be given their second vaccination. The Ronald Reagan vaccinations followed 7th Fleet’s initial vaccinations, Jan. 5, and are part of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) prioritized, phased approach for administering the vaccine to strengthen the DoD’s ability to protect its people, maintain readiness, and support a worldwide COVID-19 response for service members. Ronald Reagan has prioritized its crew, rolling out the vaccinations for medical personnel and strategic forces first, followed by the rest of the crew as the vaccine becomes available. While currently voluntary, the crew is encouraged to take advantage of the vaccine in order to protect friends, family, and the local on base and off base communities surrounding CFAY. Paul, an Aviation Ordnanceman Airman working in Ronald Reagan’s weapons department, expressed why being vaccinated was important to him. “I miss having the liberty to go out and explore, and trying out new foods and experiences,” said Paul. “I believe getting the vaccine is one step closer to safely getting that back.” Capt. Fred Goldhammer, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer, emphasized the immediate need to develop immunity through vaccination, and how the crew can directly contribute to the fight against COVID-19. “There are many reasons to take advantage of the vaccine right now, to include protecting our friends and families from the scourge that has been this disease,” said Goldhammer. “We now have the advantage in the fight against this unprecedented global pandemic.” Capt. Merrill Rice, Ro
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Keywords: chicago, community, illinois, outreach, reagan, ronald, uss
