USS Ronald Reagan Crew Thanks Santa Barbara for Warm Welcome

The crew of the USS Ronald Reagan says the warm welcome from Santa Barbara has been greatly appreciated.

The shore leave began Friday when the aircraft carrier arrived. There are 3000 crew members on board.

The are rotating off to see the town, shop, and some are going on tours including a visit to Rancho del Cielo the ranch once owned by President Reagan.

Many of the special events have been coordinated by the Santa Barbara Navy League which has a long relationship with the aircraft carrier since before it was formally commissioned in 2003.

NewsChannel 3 was given an initial visit to the aircraft carrier this afternoon.

A full tour will take place Sunday, and an on board ceremony has been scheduled that will be featured in live reports at 6 p.m.

The carrier will leave Monday morning.