Apopka Native serves on board USS Ronald Reagan during Japan-U.S. combat readiness exercise

The exercise helps strengthen bilateral relationships and demonstrates U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the region

From the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Public Affairs

Apopka native and Acceleration Academy High School graduate Kaitlyn Dyer is serving on board the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and participated in the exercise Keen Sword (KS21) on October 26 through November 5.

KS21 is a biennial, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command-scheduled, and U.S. Pacific Fleet-sponsored field training exercise (FTX), that is designed to enhance Japan-U.S. combat readiness and interoperability.

An estimated 9,000 personnel from the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps participated in the exercise, including ships from the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and more than 100 aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, USS Ashland (LSD 48), HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338), Commander Task Force 72 and 5th Air Force.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Kaitlyn Dyer

Petty Officer 3rd Class Dyer is a logistics specialist responsible for ordering, receiving and distributing materials on board Ronald Reagan.

“I take pride in my work and the work that helps others,” said Dyer.

The exercise helps strengthen bilateral relationships and demonstrates U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the region.

“Our flexible presence is a key element in helping assure our regional allies and partners that the United States remains committed to ensuring freedom of the seas,” said Capt. Fred Goldhammer, commanding officer, Ronald Reagan. “From the international dateline to the Indian Ocean to the Philippine Sea, and everywhere in between, on board Ronald Reagan we seek to preserve peace through strength, and remain ready to answer the call.”

Keen Sword is an example of the strength of U.S.-Japan Alliance, the foundation of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region for more than 60 years. The relationships built and maintained during these events are critical to Japan-U.S. shared capability to respond to contingencies at a moment’s notice.

Since Ronald Reagan’s Yokosuka departure in June 2020, the ship continues to operate in the Indo-Pacific alongside allies and partners to demonstrate the United States of America’s commitment to defense agreements, as well as promote peace and prosperity by supporting international norms.