Naval and Air Commanders Visit USS John C. Stennis

From John C. Stennis Strike Group Public Affairs

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- Senior officers from U.S. Central Command embarked the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), to meet with the leadership and crew, Nov. 30.

Vice Adm. John Miller, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet/Combined Maritime Forces, addressed the crew during an all hands call on the flight deck, while Lt. Gen David Goldfein, commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command addressed the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9.

"Stennis is the lone representative of naval aviation in the U.S. 5th Fleet and we're grateful to have you and put you to good use," said Miller during an all hands call.

Afterwards, Miller took questions from the crowd concerning topics ranging from future port visits to the geo-political climate in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

"The all hands call was very informative," said Personnel Specialist Seaman Danielle Bender. "We have a better understanding of how important our presence is in the 5th Fleet while serving our country."

The John C. Stennis Strike Group, consisting of Stennis, CVW 9, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 and guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet to strengthen regional partnerships, sustain maritime security, and support combatant commander requirements for assets in the area.