USS John C. Stennis

PLEASE NOTE:
THE STENNIS VISIT IS DEPENDENT ON SHIP DEPLOYMENT SCHEDULE AND HOMELAND SECURITY THREAT LEVEL

The mission of USS John C. Stennis and her embarked Air Wing is to conduct sustained combat air operations while forward deployed in the global arena. The embarked Air Wing consists of eight to nine squadrons. Attached aircraft are the F/A-18 Hornet, F-14 Tomcat, EA-6B Prowler, S-3 Viking, E-2C Hawkeye, and SH-60 Seahawk.

The Air Wing can destroy enemy aircraft, ships, submarines, and land targets, or lay mines hundreds of miles from the ship. USS John C. Stennis' aircraft are used to conduct strikes, support land battles, protect the Battle Group or other friendly shipping, and implement a sea or air blockade. The Air Wing provides a visible presence to demonstrate American power and resolve in a crisis. The ship normally operates as the centerpiece of a Carrier Battle Group commanded by a flag officer embarked in USS John C. Stennis and consisting of four to six other ships.

USS John C. Stennis' two nuclear reactors give her virtually unlimited range and endurance and a top speed in excess of 30 knots. The ship’s four catapults and four arresting gear engines enable her to launch and recover aircraft rapidly and simultaneously. The ship carries approximately three million gallons of fuel for her aircraft and escorts, and enough weapons and stores for extended operations without replenishment. USS John C. Stennis also has extensive repair capabilities, including a fully equipped Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, a micro-miniature electronics repair shop, and numerous ship repair shops.

For defense, in addition to her Air Wing and accompanying vessels, USS John C. Stennis has NATO Sea Sparrow short-range, surface-to-air missile systems, the Phalanx Close-in Weapons System (an extremely rapid firing 20mm gun) for cruise missile defense, and the SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare System. For more information on the USS John C. Stennis you may visit:

World Trade Center Flag

"On the flight deck of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), in port Singapore, December 7, 2001 - Officers of the deck from USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) display the American flag that once flew over the World Trade Center complex. The officers unfurled the flag shortly after the ship's arrival in Singapore. This flag was found in the ruins of the North Tower and building Number 7 on September 15th by New York police sergeant Karl Hagstrom, a naval reservist. Hagstrom had the flag sent to the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) to be flown as the ship takes station in support of Operation Enduring Freedom." (U S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Alta I. Culter)