By Dakota Rayburn
U.S. Navy
BUSAN, South Korea – John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG), the centerpiece of the U.S. Navy’s Great Green Fleet initiative, arrived in the Republic of Korea for a scheduled port visit March 13.
USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and the guided-missile destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) moored in Busan. The guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) settled in Mokpo and the guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) is in Donghae.
Local children welcomed the strike group with a ceremonial gift exchange in Busan, followed by a press conference with Commander, John C. Stennis Strike Group Rear Adm. Ron Boxall and Commander, Naval Forces Korea Rear Adm. Bill Byrne. Stennis will host guided tours for more than 1,200 locals while in port to enhance partnerships, develop goodwill and create friendships in the area.
Coordination for this port visit has been in the works for a long time, highlighting the close relationship enjoyed by the U.S. and ROK navies.
Korea is a major fuel hub for U.S. Navy vessels in 7th Fleet area of operations. JCSSG has spent the first two months of its deployment using an alternative fuel blend consisting of 10 percent biofuel manufactured from animal fat mixed with standard petroleum-based fuel. The ships are also using operational procedures and energy conservation measures to increase capability and adaptability.
“By transforming energy use and awareness, we become a more flexible fighting force—whether in the waters around Korea or in the waters we sail around the globe,” said Boxall.
During their time in Korea, JCSSG sailors have the opportunity to explore the region, participate in community relations events, and morale, welfare and recreation tours. Whatever they decide to do, sailors will have the chance to learn more about the culture and practices of one of the U.S.’ greatest allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
“I’m looking forward to the trip to the DMZ,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd class Alex Perez, from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. “I never thought I’d ever make it over to Korea, but I’m happy that I finally will.”
While some sailors are excited for exploring the nearby areas, other sailors are excited for the native cuisine.
“I can’t wait to try the food,” said Engineman Fireman Steven Bressler, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “I’ve never had Korean food before so this is going to be a pretty exciting experience.”
JCSSG will participate with the ROK navy in Exercise Foal Eagle, an annual training exercise that incorporates scenarios such as gunnery exercises, communication drills, dynamic ship maneuvers, logistical rehearsals, salvage training and liaison officer exchanges between the two navies.
The strike group is comprised of Stennis with Carrier Air Wing 9 and Destroyer Squadron 21 embarked Chung-Hoon, Stockdale, William P. Lawrence, and Mobile Bay.
Carrier Air Wing 9 consists of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 14, Airborne Early Warning Squadron 112, Electronic Attack Squadron 133 and Strike Fighter Squadrons 151, 97, 41, 14.
Providing a ready force supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, Stennis is operating as part of the Great Green Fleet on a regularly scheduled 7th Fleet deployment.
For more news on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), visit http://navy.mil/local/cvn74/ or www.facebook.com/stennis74.
