USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) is scheduled to arrive in its homeport of Bremerton, Wash., Aug. 31, marking the ship’s return after being deployed for seven-and-a-half months.
While deployed, Stennis supported Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom; conducted maritime operations, coalition operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Expeditionary Strike Force (ESF) training; and most recently, participated in Exercise Valiant Shield 2007.
“The very presence of a nuclear aircraft carrier and the strike group that surrounds it, helped provide stability and security throughout the Middle East and Pacific regions,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn. “It helped to dissuade and deter potential adversaries, and at the same time, helped to assure friendly countries in that region that we have the commitment and capability to maintain stability and security throughout the maritime environment; Stennis was the focal point of that.”
Stennis’ Commanding Officer, Capt. Brad Johanson expressed his pride in the ship’s impact on the mission while serving as the centerpiece of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG).
“We are proud of what we accomplished,” said Johanson. “The people I have the privilege to lead continually amaze me in their abilities and desires. I can honestly say I’m not too concerned about our younger generation after serving with great folks like these.”
JCSSG spent five months deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO. While there, Stennis and embarked Carrier Air Wing 9 flew more than 8,000 sorties providing more than 22,000 flight hours and dropping nearly 90,000 pounds of ordnance in support of coalition forces operating on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"Throughout this deployment Stennis has set a new standard for the performance of carriers in a combat zone,” said Johanson. “The missions we sent into Afghanistan and Iraq and the strong presence we established in the Arabian Gulf made a very significant difference in providing security and stability to the entire region.”
The Arabian Gulf is a body of water more commonly known as the Persian Gulf.
“When I look back on this great adventure of ours, the thing I’m most proud of is the performance of our young Sailors and Marines,” said Quinn. “They’ve left the comforts of their homes; they’ve left their families; they’ve gone forward into the combat zone to fight for our country, and their performance in that combat zone has been outstanding.”
