16 August 2011

USA: John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group Arrives in 7th Fleet

110807-N-ZZ999-597
PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2011) -
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier
USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)
transits the Pacific Ocean.
(Official Navy Photo)
From USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN - The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group arrived in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) on August 16.

While in the 7th Fleet, the carrier strike group (CSG) will conduct maritime engagements and port visits to enhance partnerships and promote peace and stability in the region.

“We share enduring partnerships here and appreciate the opportunity for training,” said Rear Adm. Craig Faller, commander, John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, “Our Sailors look forward to working together with our partners in the region and sharing in cultural exchanges during port visits.”

The U.S. 7th Fleet AOR spans 48 million square miles, from the International Date Line to the Western Indian Ocean.

The strike group will maximize training with allied nations, highlighting longstanding military partnerships and continued friendships.

The CSG is comprised of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, which includes guided-missile destroyers, USS Pinckney (DDG 91); USS Kidd (DDG 100); USS Dewey (DDG 105); and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108).

The embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 on board John C. Stennis includes Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 14, (VFA) 41, (VFA) 97, (VFA) 192; Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112; Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 133; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8; Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71; and Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.

John C. Stennis departed from its homeport in Bremerton, Wash., July 25, for a training exercise and its deployment to the 7th Fleet and U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. John C. Stennis’ last deployment to 7th Fleet was in 2009.