Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class William Ford | 171207-N-YF227-019 BREMERTON, Wash. (Dec. 7, 2017) Cmdr. David Dinkins and Airman...... read more read more
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Sailors aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) commemorated the 76th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu, and celebrated the ship’s 22nd commissioning anniversary with an event in the ship’s hangar bay, Dec. 7.
During the ceremony, Commanding Officer Capt. Greg Huffman spoke about the attacks that precipitated the U.S.’s entry into World War II as well as John C. Stennis’ history since its commissioning on Dec. 9, 1995.
The attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, was a costly one for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and would shape the Navy as it is known today. During the attack, more than 2,000 American lives were lost, 21 U.S. Navy ships were sunk or damaged, and numerous aircraft were destroyed. In response, the Navy expanded its fleet’s capabilities, which led to the more advanced aircraft carriers that it has today.
John C. Stennis, the seventh Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, traveled to Hawaii to participate in the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor last year.
“It was such a great honor to be in Pearl Harbor for the 75th anniversary,” said Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Dustin Reyes. “Any chance you get to honor those who have served before you or talk with someone who’s fought for this country is a real honor. I’m just glad I was able to take part in it.”
During John C. Stennis’ visit to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the ship hosted 2,208 visitors, including retired Army National Guard Col. Donald "Doc" E. Ballard, a Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient, retired Air Force Col. Bud Anderson, a three-time ace during World War II, veterans, and their family and friends while in port from Dec. 3-8 of last year.
The more than 70,000 crewmembers that have served on board John C. Stennis have fought for this country like the veterans that came before them.
The construction of John C. Stennis began at Newport News Shipbuilding Company March 29, 1988, the ship’s keel was laid March 13, 1991, and the ship was christened Nov. 11, 1993. Following sea trials, the ship deployed to the Persian Gulf Feb. 26, 1998, beginning an eventful career.
Since then the ship has completed nine deployments, launched strikes against Al-Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks, led a rescue operation of the Iranian fishing vessel Al Mulahi from pirates, and completed a litany of exercises to showcase strength in the Middle East and Pacific.
As John C. Stennis continues preparing for its next deployment, Sailors remember the sacrifices made by those service members on that day that shall live in infamy, and will continue to protect America and her interests at home and abroad.
John C. Stennis is in port conducting routine training as it continues preparing for its next scheduled deployment.
For more news on John C. Stennis, visit http://navy.mil/local/cvn74/ or follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stennis74.
| Date Taken: | 12.07.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 12.07.2017 19:23 |
| Story ID: | 257915 |
| Location: | BREMERTON, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 452 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Looking Ahead through the Past, by PO3 William Ford, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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