"Ronald Reagan", now with Terry B. Kraft in command, departed San Diego on 4 January 2006, on her maiden deployment to conduct naval operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as to conduct maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf.On 28 January 2006, an F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter attempting landing aboard "Ronald Reagan" crashed into the ship's flight deck about southeast of Brisbane, Queensland.