The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) made its first stop in the U.S. at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam April 21 following an eight-month deployment to the 5th and 7th fleet areas of responsibility (AOR).
While deployed, JCSCSG flew more than 11,500 sorties totaling 27,000 flight hours, and conducted community relations and service projects during port visits to Thailand, Malaysia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of Singapore.
“We are excited to be back in the U.S. after a very successful deployment,” said Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker. “The strike group Sailors here did a fantastic job in every mission area. Through their efforts, we were able to provide extensive support to the coalition effort in Operation Enduring Freedom and to enhance our maritime relationships with regional partners throughout the 5th and 7th fleet operating areas.”
Hawaii also marks the homecoming for many Stennis Strike Group Sailors, as they were able to visit with friends and family.
“This visit will be a nice reunion for my family and I to pick up where we all last left off and meet the new additions to our family,” said Cmdr. Chad Lee, from Kailua, Oahu. “This visit is special for all of us because we will all be visiting my 95-year-old great grandmother.”
The 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 AORs.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, April 23, 2013; Image: US Navy