U.S. Navy

PHILIPPINE SEA – The John C. Stennis Strike Group has completed routine operations in the South China Sea, and transited into the Philippine Sea through the Luzon Strait, the U.S. Navy said March 7.

The JCSSG operated in the South China Sea March 1-6. It was the crew’s first time operating there since their regularly scheduled deployment began Jan. 15. The JCSSG conducted daily flight operations and a replenishment-at-sea during their transit, receiving advanced biofuel, aviation fuel and supplies from USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7).

While operating in the South China Sea, the crew sharpened their skills in one of the most heavily trafficked areas in the world. Roughly $5 trillion in trade is shipped through the South China Sea every year.

Senior Chief Quartermaster Henry Nicol, USS John C. Stennis’ (CVN 74) navigation department leading chief petty officer, said it’s essential to carefully monitor the ship’s position and course, because of congested sea lanes.

Sailors working in Stennis’ Carrier Air Traffic Control Center also take on a more active role in controlling aircraft.

Lt. Jason Falk, from the Wizards of Electronic Attack Squadron 133, from Stuart, Florida, welcomed the challenge.

“It feels exciting,” Falk said. “I’m putting what I have learned to use.” Falk said the crew remains on higher alert while operating in this congested area to identify contacts as early as possible to maintain awareness.

Additionally, Chinese People’s Liberation Army ships remained in the vicinity of Stennis during its time in the South China Sea. All bridge-to-bridge interactions between the sailors of both navies were professional.

“Based on the bridge-to-bridge communications USS Chung-Hoon had with the PLA ships, it is clear that the Chinese navy prides itself on professional communications and interactions,” said Cmdr. Tom Ogden, commanding officer of USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93).

Rear Adm. Ronald Boxall, JCSSG’s commander, said he was not surprised by other countries’ interest in the strike group.

“We’re exercising our right to operate in international waters,” Boxall said. “Our presence here promotes peace and stability in the region.”

The strike group is comprised of Stennis with Carrier Airwing 9 and Destroyer Squadron 21 embarked, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), USS Stockdale (DDG 106), USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) and Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53).

CVW-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.

For more news on USS John C. Stennis visit navy.mil/local/cvn74/ or www.facebook.com/stennis74.