Stennis Strike Group maintains proficiency

Photo By Kenneth Abbate | Two F/A-18C Hornets from the Warhawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA 97) fly over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Ships and aircraft of the USS George Washington and USS John C. Stennis carrier strike groups are currently exercising to hone their collective interoperability, readiness, and the capability to respond quickly to potential crises in the region, ranging from combat operations to humanitarian assistance missions. As two of the Navy's 11 global force carrier strike groups, the strike groups are further ensuring security, stability and peace in the vital Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate)  

SOUTH CHINA SEA, USAFRICOM, AT SEA

10.05.2012

Courtesy Story

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)
USN Public Affairs Office

SOUTH CHINA SEA – USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), which deployed from its homeport of Bremerton, Wash. in July, performed routine aircraft launch and recovery operations in cooperation with other U.S. ships in its strike group in order to maintain operational readiness.

“Flight operations are a dangerous job, but we’re making it as safe as possible,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Kelsey Deer, Fuels Division’s Leading Chief Petty Officer aboard Stennis. “Right now we’re doing normal flight training. It’s about recertifying and qualifying people to launch aircraft off of the carrier deck.”

The training, which is currently being conducted as Stennis transits through the U.S. 7th Fleet, prepares pilots and aircraft support personnel for any contingency they may encounter while operating in the Persian Gulf.

Ships and aircraft of the John C. Stennis and George Washington carrier strike groups are currently exercising to hone their collective interoperability, readiness, and the capability to respond quickly to potential crises in the region, ranging from combat operations to humanitarian assistance missions. As two of the Navy’s 11 global force carrier strike groups, the strike groups are further ensuring security, stability and peace in the vital Asia-Pacific region.

Stennis is currently deployed in U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53).

• Date Taken: 10.05.2012
• Date Posted: 10.05.2012 23:50
• Story ID: 95791
• Location: SOUTH CHINA SEA, USAFRICOM, AT SEA