Stennis to Make First Port Visit

PERSIAN GULF (March 28, 2007) - Lightning storms rage over the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as the ship transits the Persian Gulf. John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 are conducting a dual-carrier exercise with Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7. This marks the first time the Stennis and Eisenhower strike groups have operated together in a joint exercise while deployed to 5th Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Heidi J. Giacalone (RELEASED)

Stennis Ready to Enjoy First Port Visit
From USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs
USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At sea; March 29, 2007 -– The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 will make their first port visit in the Middle East today after conducting a dual-carrier exercise with USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) and CVW 7 in the Arabian Gulf.

This marks the first time the Stennis and Eisenhower strike groups have operated together in a joint exercise while deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO). This exercise demonstrates the importance of both strike groups’ ability to plan and conduct dual task force operations as part of the Navy's commitment to maintaining maritime security and stability in the region.

Before pulling into port, Capt. Brad Johanson, Stennis’ commanding officer, looked back at the important benchmarks the crew has achieved during their deployment.

“We have already completed over 3,000 arrested landings on this deployment, successfully delivered precision-guided munitions on target and safely navigated half way around the world through three high traffic density straits, while simultaneously keeping our air wing proficient and fully qualified for night operations,” said Johanson. “We are off to a great start in meeting our mission requirements, and this mission is essential to global security.”

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ALSO SEE
Stennis Now Operating in Persian Gulf
Combat Camera: Persian Gulf Dual-Carrier Exercise, 27 Mar. 2007 Part 1
Combat Camera: Persian Gulf Dual-Carrier Exercise, 27 Mar. 2007 Part 2
Combat Camera: Persian Gulf Dual-Carrier Exercise, 28 Mar. 2007

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