Death and state funeral of Ronald Reagan Mugu, California. The public, including sailors from the USS "Ronald Reagan", was there to witness the plane's arrival. Reagan's body was driven in a large motorcade though the streets of southern California. The service drew 700 invited guests, including former Reagan administration officials such as George P. Shultz, and noted dignitaries; Margaret Thatcher, who traveled on the plane from Washington, sat next to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver; former California Governor Pete Wilson was in attendance, as well as former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan. Hollywood actors and other celebrities also attended, including Mr. Reagan's first
USS Ronald Reagan the US national anthem was publicly played. After leaving Rio, "Ronald Reagan" transited the Strait of Magellan on 20–21 June and subsequently made port visits to Valparaíso, Chile, and Callao, Peru, before arriving in San Diego on 23 July 2004. From 1 October 2004, "Ronald Reagan" was assigned to Carrier Strike Group Fifteen. "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