USS John C. Stennis Holds Frocking Ceremony

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan Crouch

BREMERTON, Wash. – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) held a frocking ceremony in the hangar bay June 6 for 382 Sailors who advanced to the next pay grade.

These “frocked” Sailors will now assume the title and wear the uniform of their newly earned pay grade. Sailors will then receive pay for their rate depending on their official date of advancement, which occurs in three increments throughout the year.

“I’m going to be assuming the responsibility that comes with the promotion,” said Ship’s Servicemen 3rd Class Henry Thomas, who added that his leadership style is to lead by example and make sure you lead from the front. “I’ve always been told you’re given what you provide.”

Families and friends of those being promoted were invited aboard for the ceremony that frocked 214 to third class petty officer, 130 to second class petty officer and 38 to first class petty officer.

“It’s a wonderful day and it’s well earned,” said Capt. Ron Reis, Stennis’s Commanding Officer. “Each one of these Sailors has performed magnificently and this is a testament to that.”

For more news from USS John C. Stennis visit www.stennis.navy.mil or www.facebook.com/stennis 74.

Stennis Sailors Educate Local Students on Military Service

By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Kathleen O’Keefe

BREMERTON, Wash. – Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis spoke with 7th and 8th grade students June 5 about military career options during Mountain View Middle School’s 2013 Future Fair.

The fair was a chance for Sailors to talk to students about military service and the many options available to them when choosing a career.

“It’s important that we’re here today to show the community that we are here for them and to let kids know what the U.S. Navy is about,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Arnel Angeles.

In addition to the presentation by Stennis’ Sailors, the fair also included representatives from local businesses and educational institutions, exposing the students to a variety of viable career options.

“The military presence, as well as our community members coming in, is so valuable because kids forget that there is a whole community of people out there who are looking out for them, care for them and who really want to see them succeed,” said Jennifer Chamberlin, the coordinator for the fair.

Some students who already have an interest in the military, like 7th grader Sage Riggs, used this opportunity to learn more about being a service member.

“I want to be an Army doctor when I grow up,” said Riggs. “The fair and the Navy guys really helped me learn more about working in the military.”

“I really hope that the kids had a lot of fun,” said Chamberlin. “I also hope they become inspired and develop some ideas about what they want to do when they get older.”

For more news from USS John C. Stennis visit www.stennis.navy.mil or www.facebook.com/stennis 74.

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Stennis Sailors Participate in 65th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Christian B. Martinez

BREMERTON, Wash. – The commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis and Stennis’ sailor of the year led Stennis Sailors in the 65th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade in Bremerton, May 18.

Capt. Ron Reis, PS1 Marionogerad Zamora and more than 300 fellow Stennis Sailors participated in the parade to honor our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.

“It was very humbling,” said Reis. “Stennis has been to sea 17 of the last 24 months, but this community continues to open its arms and hearts as if we’ve never left. This is our home, and I’m very honored and proud to say that.”

The parade was organized by the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce and Bremerton Kiwanis Club and included more than 143 groups ranging from active-duty military, veterans, state and local officials, community leaders and local students.

“Being a native of Bremerton, it is great to be part of a tradition that honors military service members,” said Mike Strube, president and CEO of the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a good feeling to see the community step up and continue to share in that tradition.”

“The parade is the longest running, and one of the biggest, Armed Forces Day parades in the country,” said Cris Larsen, chairman of the Armed Forces Festival in Bremerton. “We take pride in our support of the military and I understand the sacrifices that [service members] do. It’s important to honor that. That’s why this day exists.”

On May 3, Stennis returned from an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibilities in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and continued Theater Security Cooperation efforts. For more news on Stennis visit
http://www.stennis.navy.mil and http://www.Facebook.com/stennis74.

130518 N KD696 463 BREMERTON, Wash. (May 18, 2013) Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) march through the streets of Bremerton during the Armed Forces Day Parade. Stennis recently returned from an eight month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibilities in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and continued Theater Security Cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jose L. Hernandez/Released)

130518 N KD696 027 BREMERTON, Wash. (May 18, 2013) Boatswain’s Mate Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Adams helps in the unraveling of the flag in preparation for Bremerton’s Armed Forces Day Parade.Stennis recently returned from an eight month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibilities in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and continued Theater Security Cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jose L. Hernandez/Released)

Stennis Sailors Recognized by Rotary Club of East Bremerton

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsy Alamina

BREMERTON, Wash. – The commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) was the guest speaker at a Rotary Club of East Bremerton breakfast April 15.

Capt. Ron Reis and more than 20 Stennis Sailors were invited to the breakfast that honored the Stennis crew for their service and renewed the longstanding partnership between Stennis and the Kitsap community.

“All the organizations of the Rotary Club are big supporters of the United States Navy and Stennis supports our community like no other ship out there,” said Jerry LeTexier, president of the Rotary Club of East Bremerton, “In kind, we want to give the same respect to the Sailors because it’s a great and unique relationship. We are proud of our armed forces in this community.”

Reis expressed his gratitude for the recognition and spoke about the work accomplished by the Stennis crew during the recent deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

“The Sailors aboard the John C. Stennis, with an average age of 22, could not have performed better nor represented the United States of America better,” said Reis, “They endure hardships of sea duty far from home with quiet professionalism, which is a hallmark of our naval forces. We are truly blessed.”

Sailors had the opportunity to meet and converse with Kitsap community leaders during the event and shared their admiration for the club’s support.

“It’s a humbling and inspiring experience to be honored and recognized by the community,” said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Marianogerard Zamora.

For more news from USS John C. Stennis visit
http://www.stennis.navy.mil and
http://www.Facebook.com/stennis 74.

Stennis Sailors Volunteer at Local Food Bank

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lauren Howes

Bremerton, Wash. – Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) participated in a food drive at the Bremerton Foodline food bank, May 11.

The food drive, sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers, was the first opportunity for Stennis to serve the Kitsap community since returning from an eight-month deployment.

“Being here today is a great way to give back and care for the community that cares for us,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) Joe Hodge.

“We were really excited to see the Sailors come out for this event,” said Rachel Mcleod, operations supervisor for the Bremerton Foodline food bank. “Without them we would have been undermanned and not able to unload and sort the amount of donations during this event.”

During the food drive, approximately 60,000 pounds of canned and dried goods were collected and sorted to provide meals for approximately 4,000 families in Kitsap County. The non-perishable food items will be distributed to three local food banks in the area; the Salvation Army, St. Vincent DePaul food bank and the Bremerton Foodline food bank.

“This is the biggest community event of the year,” said Mcleod. “Everyone from the volunteers, donors and postal workers gets involved in the food drive.”

For more news from USS John C. Stennis visit
http://www.stennis.navy.mil and
http://www.facebook.com/stennis 74.

Stennis Returns Home from Eight Month Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Grant Wamack

Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) returned to their homeport of Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Wash. May 3 after completing an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.

While deployed, Stennis travelled more than 66,000 nautical miles while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations, theater security exercises, and participating in multiple community engagement events.

“It’s wonderful to be back home,” said Capt. Ron Reis, Stennis’ commanding officer. “A lot has been asked of these Sailors and their families but I am very proud of what they have accomplished. Our success throughout two back-to-back combat deployments is possible because every Sailor is dedicated to excellence and to our country.”

In the U.S. 5th Fleet, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 flew more than 1,300 sorties in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom and 9,000 total sorties throughout 5th Fleet operations. Stennis Sailors also conducted community relations projects in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

While in 7th Fleet, Stennis conducted theater security cooperation exercises, participated in community service projects, and hosted military and civilian leaders from Malaysia and Thailand, as well as the Republics of Maldives, Indonesia and Singapore, highlighting U.S Navy aircraft carrier operations at sea and strengthening U.S. bonds with partner nations.

“It’s always an honor to engage with our partners in the region,” said Reis. “We set out to represent our country with honor and our Sailors did just that. We could not have had a more successful deployment.”

“I could not be more proud of the strike group Sailors and what they accomplished,” said Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Carrier Strike Group 3. “Eight months ago, they answered our nation’s call to deploy, and successfully executed every mission asked of them. Our Navy very much appreciates the sacrifices that they and their families have made and I congratulate them all on a job well done.”

The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG), consisting of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, and guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), has returned from an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.

For more information on the JCSCSG visit http://www.stennis.navy.mil or http://www.facebook.com/stennis74.

Stennis Ends 2013 Tiger Cruise

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Grant Wamack

USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) concluded its 2013 Tiger Cruise as it arrived in San Diego, April 29.

The six-day transit allowed more than 1,100 friends and family members of the crew to experience life aboard an aircraft carrier at sea.

The cruise began when Stennis departed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where Stennis volunteers and sponsors escorted the guests on board. Throughout the transit, Tigers worked along side their sponsors to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day lives of Sailors.

Tiger cruise is designed to be educational and enjoyable, said Yeoman 1st Class Joshua Kelemen, a tiger cruise coordinator. It gives them [tigers] an opportunity to experience what we do and how we live.

“It is an exciting and eye-opening experience,” said John Prindle, father of Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Jessica Prindle. “I guess you never really realize the sacrifices the young men and women in the military make for their country.”

The Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sponsored event featured an air power demonstration, ship tours, concerts, a talent show, and shipboard damage control simulations.

“We had a lot of entertaining and educational things lined up,” said Chris Cation, Stennis’ MWR coordinator and Tiger Cruise coordinator. “This was a chance to experience Navy life that people rarely get an opportunity to see.”

The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG), consisting of Stennis, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, and guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), is returning from an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th fleet areas of responsibility.

For more information on Stennis visit http://www.stennis.navy.mil
or http://www.facebook.com/stennis74.