By MC1 Jason Noble, John C. Stennis Strike Group Public Affairs
USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) arrives at Changi Naval Base, April 19. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Joshua Fulton) >>
SINGAPORE - The John C. Stennis Strike Group, the centerpiece of the Great Green Fleet, and the 8,500 Sailors attached arrived in Singapore for a regularly scheduled port visit April 19.
The visit to "the Lion City" affords the opportunity to enjoy one of the most diverse ports in the world. Rear Adm. Ron Boxall, commander, JCSSG, expects the visit to be a memorable one.
"Singapore is one of the most wonderful countries in the world," said Boxall. "It is a model in terms of diverse cultures living together, and our visit here is a fantastic opportunity to enhance partnerships, develop goodwill, and create friendships."
USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) moored at Changi Naval Base with the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) and the guided-missile destroyers USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) after participating in Exercise Balikatan 2016, an annual bilateral training exercise that is a signature element of the Philippine-U.S. alliance, focused on humanitarian assistance, maritime law enforcement and environmental protection.
The guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) will rejoin JCSSG in port April 20 after completing Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo 2016, a multilateral exercise involving 35 countries focused on maritime peacekeeping operations and increasing interoperability between regional navies. During the upcoming port visit, JCSSG Sailors will have the opportunity to explore the island and the city, participate in community service events and take part in morale, welfare and recreation tours.
Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Dishawnte Williams, from Atlanta, assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron 151, is excited about the port visit and seeing how unique the city is."I have heard plenty about [Singapore], I am ready to see it for myself," said Williams. "I'm also excited to go to Universal Studios. I've been to Universal Orlando, so I am looking forward to the 18 rides that are strictly designed for the Singapore park.
So far in their Western Pacific deployment, JCSSG has transited over 20,000 nautical miles using an advanced biofuel blend and other energy saving practices, to reduce fuel consumption and extend operational capabilities. They will depart the port visit to Singapore continuing to set the standard for energy conservation across the fleet.
Other components to JCSSG include Carrier Air Wing 9 and Destroyer Squadron 21, embarked aboard John C. Stennis.
CVW-9 consists of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, VFA-151, VFA-97, VFA-41 and VFA-14.