Aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis pulls into Marseille, France

US Navy aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) arrived in Marseille, France, on April 27 for a scheduled port visit.

The carrier stopped in France after dual-carrier operations in the Mediterranean Sea with USS Abraham Lincoln last week.

Earlier in April, Stennis met up with France’s own FS Charles de Gaulle for a brief evolution in the Red Sea.

“Time and time again, France’s Marine Nationale and the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) have worked together at sea pursuing mutual interests in maintaining free and open access for all in international waters. The integration and teamwork involved in this pursuit has been a highlight of our operations over the last six months,” said Capt. Randy Peck, commanding officer of the John C. Stennis.

“Now, my crew has the opportunity to more fully appreciate our French partners as allies and friends, and the crew could not be more excited to experience French culture and pursue a more personal connection to the partnership we have enjoyed since 1775.”

The John C. Stennis is in the Mediterranean Sea as part of the JCSCSG deployment in support of maritime security cooperation efforts in the US 6th Fleet area of responsibility.