President Bush and President Arroyo Announce Deployment of USS Ronald Reagan Aircraft Carrier Group to Iloilo President Bush and President Arroyo Announce Deployment of USS Ronald Reagan Aircraft Carrier Group to Iloilo (U.S. Embassy Manila 06/25/2008) (June 24, 2008) President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo meets with the US President George W. Bush at the Oval office of the White House. (Photo by JERRY CARUAL/PCPO) Following their meeting in the Oval office on June 24, United States President George W. Bush and Republic of the Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo agreed on the immediate deployment of the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier group to waters in the vicinity of Iloilo, Republic of the Philippines. The carrier group will support immediate rescue, recovery, and disaster relief efforts being carried out by Philippine authorities in the aftermath of Typhoon Frank (Fengshen). As President Bush said, “I expressed to President Arroyo our deep condolences to those who suffered as a result of the typhoon. We, the American people, care about the human suffering that's taking place, and we want to help our friends in a time of need.” The arrival of the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier group in the Republic of the Philippines exemplifies the longstanding ties between the United States and the Philippines and the U.S. commitment to assisting the Philippines, in keeping with our mutual commitments under the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Defense Treaty. USS Ronald Reagan is the largest and newest of the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. Its on-board aircraft are able to assist with transportation of cargo, aerial damage assessment, and support search-and-rescue operations. Under the direction of Philippine disaster relief authorities, USS Ronald Reagan personnel may provide assistance including aircraft support, production and delivery of potable water, medical assistance activities, and machinery repair. The USS Ronald Reagan’s carrier group includes the cruiser USS Chancellorsville, the destroyers USS Decatur, USS Gridley, and USS Howard, the frigate USS Thach, and other supporting vessels. The USNS Stockham and U.S. Navy P-3 maritime surveillance aircraft continue to provide support and U.S. Navy divers are assisting Philippine personnel with rescue and recovery efforts on the capsized ferry, MV Princess of the Stars. (Bookmark this page for future reference) CABATUAN AIRPORT Cabatuan.com - Timeline 2012 Cabatuan.com