Posted on 01/16/2007 4:11:12 PM PST by flynmudd
BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Sailors said goodbye to their family members and friends Jan. 16, as the ship departed Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton for San Diego to onload Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9. The carrier, with its embarked air wing, USS Antietam (CG 54), and USS Preble (DDG 88), will deploy from San Diego Saturday, Jan. 20.
USS O'Kane (DDG 77) and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) will deploy from their homeport of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Stennis is the flagship for Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 3, headed by Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn.
“I’m ready for deployment," said Machinist’s Mate Fireman Josh Layton. “They gave us a heads-up to get our stuff in order and they gave us plenty of time for leave to see our families.”
Stennis’ embarked air wing consists of the F/A-18C Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-6B Prowler, E-2C Hawkeye 2000, C-2A Greyhound and SH-60F/HH-60H Seahawk. The aircraft can be used to conduct strikes, support land battles, protect the CSG or other friendly ships, and implement a sea or air blockade.
The John C. Stennis Strike Group will operate in the Persian Gulf region with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, already in the Central Command Area of Operations. The presence of two aircraft carriers, while not unprecedented, demonstrates U.S. resolve to bring security and stability to the region.
These strike groups will support Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, and will conduct Maritime Security operations. They will also work closely with allies to build regional security and long-term stability.
Stennis has a flight deck of about 4.5 acres and towers nearly seven stories above the sea. The ship is capable of carrying a crew of about 5,600 sailors, more than 3.5 million gallons of fuel, 70 aircraft, and enough weapons and stores for extended operations without replenishment.
The ship's two nuclear reactors give it virtually unlimited range and endurance, and a top speed in excess of 30 knots. The ship’s four catapults and four arresting gear engines enable it to launch and recover aircraft rapidly and simultaneously.
Some Stennis Sailors are looking forward to some of the challenges ahead as well as time to receive shipboard qualifications.
“The thing I’m looking forward to the most is just learning my rate,” said Quartermaster Seaman Recruit Catherine J. Schools. “My dad who is a retired chief says the first time you get to see a sunset at sea, you will know why you joined the Navy.”
I kinow a guy on the Stennis.....good luck to him and al who sail on her....
Meadow Muffin
Good luck and smooth sailing.
I was on the JFK in the '70's/ It would be impressive to see 3 carrier groups at once in the same area.
I wish my son would call me!!!!! He said he was having "fun" when he called last week. He was on shore leave somewhere over there for a couple of days. He said they were really busy these days.
Awesome shot. Thanks.
Who was Stennis?
Haze Gray and Underway...God Speed!
I think Hohn Stennis was one of the old-time, strong defense Democrats who was very pro military. Kind of like "Scoop" Jackson.
I had hoped to make it down to see her sail this morning, but couldn't. I did see her last summer in Puget Sound, and it was an impressive sight indeed!
The women called him Stennis the Menace. The chicks wouldn't have sex with him because he was a carrier.
Do you suppose there will ever be a ship named after Barney Frank? And what kind of a ship might it be? Maybe a sub, since they go down a lot.
When I went to Norfolk last October when my son shipped out I did nothing but cry and take a thousand pictures.
May your son and his shipmates have a safe deployment.
Please thank him for his service. And thank you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C._Stennis
Maybe an Iranian submarine? After all it would be full of Iranian semen [sic].....
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