Posted on 02/01/2007 4:54:29 PM PST by flynmudd
USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) entered the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility (AOR) Jan. 31, as part of a deployment to promote peace, regional cooperation and stability.
While Stennis and the rest of the strike group, led by Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn, is scheduled to transit from 7th Fleet to U.S. Central Command to provide support for coalition forces operating there, JCSSG remains ready to respond to any mission in any theatre of operation.
“Our strike group provides an agile, flexible, responsive and robust set of capabilities ranging from humanitarian assistance all the way up through major combat operations,” said Quinn, commander, Carrier Strike Group Three (CCSG 3). “We have spent a year preparing for this deployment and we are ready for whatever tasking comes our way.”
Since the beginning of 2006, JCSSG has completed multiple training events, qualifications and inspections, leading up to certification as a combat-ready strike group.
“Though we are planning to simply transit through the Pacific en route the Persian Gulf, we are prepared to respond to any emergent tasking in the Pacific Command area of operations,” said Quinn.
The ship will remain postured to render aid in the region if needed, in support of Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet’s goal of delivering responsive, short-term readiness.
JCSSG is comprised of Commander, CSG 3, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Stennis, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), the guided-missile destroyers USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77), the fast combat-support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 11, Det. 11. In all, more than 6,000 Sailors are currently assigned to JCSSG.
Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet is permanently embarked aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), which is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. The 7th Fleet AOR includes more than 52 million square miles of the Pacific and Indian oceans -- stretching from the international date line to the east coast of Africa, and from the Kuril Islands in the north to the Antarctic in the south.
More than half of the world's population lives within the 7th Fleet AOR. In addition, more than 80 percent of that population lives within 500 miles of the oceans, which means this is an inherently maritime region.
“We are ready; we are sustainable; we are flexible; and we provide awesome combat capability,” said Quinn.
JCSSG is headed west to provide support for U.S. and coalition forces operating in the 5th Fleet and will support Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, be prepared to take part in Horn of Africa operations, and conduct maritime security operations (MSO).
Coalition forces conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region.
Seems like just the other day when I saw the J.C. Stennis on its way out of the Puget Sound into the Juan de Fuca Strait. Quick trip.
Things are heating up. My son told me on Monday that his deployment has been extended. God and the military are the only ones that know how long. God be with all our men and women in harm's way. I'm proud but nervous.
Post or FReepmail me if you wish to be enlisted in or discharged from the Navair Pinglist.
You mean even more than we have been lately?
Interesting
About darn time!
The Stennis needs to deal with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and other things
Please thank your son for his service to our nation.
Can you say where he serves?
In time -- business before pleasure.
Please thank your son for us.
God bless your son and all those willing to serve. They make us all proud.
Thanks for the Post.
He's stationed in Norfolk. Where he serves?
Yes, thank you much and please let him know we appreciate his service.
The Stennis left on Jan 15
I wouldn't want to be in the Iranian "Navy" right about now...
Those b-stards in Iran have had an appointment with destiny. The time is rapidly approaching. The sooner that vermin is wiped off the face of the earth, the better.
Mos is classified. Thank you for your wishes.
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