YOKOSUKA, Japan – Eight Sailors attached to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the U.S. Navy’s
forward-deployed aircraft carrier, took the Oath of Allegiance to become American citizens Dec.
6, 2018.
“It is fantastic to have these new citizens. It is a great pleasure to be able to attend and be
a part of these ceremonies and I wish the best to all of our new citizens, both service members
and spouses,” said Capt. Patrick Hannifin, commanding officer of the Ronald Reagan.
The ceremony is a culmination of a long wait, and it was met with a sense of relief.
“I have been waiting for a year-and-a-half now and it feels great. I am overwhelmed, I
also feel complete,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Marvin Cortez, from
the Philippines.
Rear Adm. Gregory J. Fenton, the commander of Naval Forces Japan, presided over the
ceremony held at the base Chapel of Hope on Fleet Activities Yokosuka. The eight Reagan
Sailors were among the 19 active-duty service members from the U.S. Navy, Army and Air
Force and 25 dependents who took the oath.