Stennis Strike Group departs Thailand

PHUKET, THAILAND

10.11.2012

Courtesy Story

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsy Alamina and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales, John C. Stennis Strike Group Public Affairs

PHUKET, Thailand – The John C. Stennis Strike Group concluded a four-day port visit to Phuket, Thailand, Oct. 11.

“We accomplished a great deal during this port,” said Capt. Ronald Reis, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), flag ship of the strike group. “We had the honor of engaging with one of our country’s most-valued partners, and our sailors had the opportunity to experience the Thai culture, as well as serve the local community that has so graciously welcomed us.”

Many sailors volunteered their liberty time to give back to the people of Thailand by participating in community relation projects (COMRELs) coordinated by Stennis’ Religious Ministries Department. JCSSG volunteers repaired the driveway at a dog foundation, handed out hygiene supplies and dug trenches for a drainage system at the Home and Life Orphanage and helped children with their English at the Baan Klong Sai Elementary School

“It was a wonderful experience to help out the children’s school here in Thailand,” said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Anthony Enriquez from the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53). “I hope that we as the John C. Stennis and the USS Mobile Bay can return soon.”

“This is a very rewarding experience,” said Airman Shanice Smith, who also volunteered at the Baan Klong Sai Elementary School. “The children were friendly and very welcoming.”

While in port, crew members also had the opportunity to participate in tours sponsored by Stennis’ Morale, Welfare and Recreation department, including elephant riding, snorkeling, and trips to several islands surrounding Phuket.

“The tour to Phi Phi Island is something I’ll never forget,” said Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Kalifornia Hartsfield. “I had a great time snorkeling and seeing the marine life. The tour guides were very friendly and knowledgeable about the history of the islands we visited, and I learned a lot about the culture here.”

The JCSSG has been in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group to improve interoperability and be prepared to collectively respond to any natural or man-made crisis in the area.

JCSSG consists of Stennis, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 and Mobile Bay.

• Date Taken: 10.11.2012
• Date Posted: 10.13.2012 05:17
• Story ID: 96120
• Location: PHUKET, TH