U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY – Sailors from anti-air frigate Chevalier Paul (D621) visited aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) while underway in the Arabian Sea, Feb 9.
The visit was part of a passing exercise to improve interoperability between the two navies.
In order to experience daily carrier sea operations, 10 Chevalier Paul crewmembers observed flight operations from the flight deck, enjoyed a meal with Stennis Sailors in the aft mess decks, and toured several spaces throughout the ship.
“Today was a good occasion for our sailors to see the high value unit, that is John C. Stennis, that we have been cooperating with for some time now,” said French Navy Lt. Karim Hebert, from Paris, France. “My time on John C. Stennis has been very friendly and has been a great opportunity for us to experience life aboard an American carrier and its operations.
Maitre Sebastien Chivot, from Toulon, France, said that he enjoyed touring such a large ship, and was pleased with his interactions with the John C. Stennis crew.
John C. Stennis Sailors were also given a chance to observe daily operations aboard Chevalier Paul. They toured various spaces, including the ship’s bridge, combat information center, vertical launch systems, and engine rooms.
“The quality of life was especially excellent,” said Chief Information Systems Technician Michele Miley, from Bakersfield, Calif. “The ship felt very habitable and the technology on board was very organized and streamlined. I was very impressed.”
The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, consisting of John C. Stennis, Carrier Air Wing 9, Destroyer Squadron 21, and guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) are forward deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to strengthen regional partnerships, sustain maritime security, and support combatant commander requirements for assets in the area.
By Daniel Schumacher
USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs
For more information about the Stennis visit www.stennis.navy.mil and www.facebook.com/stennis 74.
