CVN-74 is named after U.S. Senator John Cornelius Stennis (1901-1995), who served for 41 years in the U.S. Senate (1947-1988), with eight Presidents, from Truman to Reagan.

Senator Stennis (D-MISS) consistently supported a strong U.S. military and gained the honorary title of "the father of America's modern Navy."

John C. Stennis was built by Newport News Shipbuilding using a modular construction process. Each module is pre-outfitted with machinery, electrical components and piping before being placed in dry dock to assemble the ship.

The photo was taken during sea trials by PHC(AW) Thom Hensley, October 3, 1995. What makes this photo remarkable is that this was the first carrier to have a deck certified for helo operations during sea trials. Therefore, the helo was able to take a photographer up during the high speed rudder checks which are part of sea trials.

LCDR Reed was the first Public Affairs Officer on John C. Stennis.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) underway, date and location unknown. U.S. Department of Defense photo.

Photo from Twenty-First Century Warships, by Steve Crawford.

USS John C. Stennis underway during her shakedown cruise, 1996, with Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8). Official US Navy photo.

The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) patrols the Persian Gulf, March 30, 1998, during Operation Southern Watch. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class James M. Williams (# 980330-N-3178W-004).

The British aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (R06), left, is dwarfed by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). The picture was taken in the Persian Gulf in April 1998. Embarked aboard Illustrious for the first time are RAF Harrier G.R. Mk.7s from 3(F) Sqn RAF Laarbruch, Germany. Photo and text courtesy Carl Proctor.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), left, steams alongside the British Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (R06) in the Persian Gulf, 9 April 1998. The two ships were operating in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch, the U.S. and coalition enforcement of the no-fly-zone over Southern Iraq. DoD photo by Airman Robert Baker, U.S. Navy (# 980409-N-8890B-003).

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) underway with her air group—Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7—parked on the flight deck, in company with HMS Illustrious (R06), in the Persian Gulf, April 1998. Note the SH-60 Seahawk in the foreground. Photo MoD.

Photo taken from The Age of Invincible, by Nick Childs.

USS Mount Hood (AE-29) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) underway off Johnson Atoll, 14 August 1998, while the carrier was offloading ammunitions onto Mount Hood. John C. Stennis was en route to her new homeport in San Diego, CA., finalizing her 1998 around-the-world cruise. US Navy photo by PH3 Jason Brunson (# 980814-N-6932B-001).

Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 9 fly over the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) in a delta formation as the ship steams for her home port of San Diego, Calif., on June 29, 2000. USS John C. Stennis was hosting nearly one thousand friends and family members, called "Tigers," for the transit from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to San Diego. A "Tiger Cruise" allows the friends and family members to experience life at sea with their sailors. US Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Troy D. Summers (# 000629-N-8031S-001).

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) conducts high-speed steering and manuevering checks off the southern California coast, April 20, 2001 following a seven-month maintenance period. Suchs tests are necessary to ensure that all systems function properly in emergency situations as well as under routine conditions. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class James A. Farrally, II (# 010420-N-2722F-002).

Note: This image was contributed by two people almost simultaneously. Both of them are credited.

Steaming astern, probably during the same trials period as the photo above, March-April 2001. Photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class James A. Farrally, II.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) departs homeport San Diego, November 12, 2001 to support Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by PH1 Chuck Cavanaugh.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) departs homeport San Diego, November 12, 2001 to support Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class James A. Farrally, II (# 011112-N-2722F-001).

March 22, 2002 — An F/A-18C Hornet launches from the flight deck. John C. Stennis and Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) were conducting combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jayme T. Pastoric (# 020322-N-9769P-090).

Naval vessels from five nations fall into position for a rare photographic opportunity, 18 April 2002. From top row left to right: Italian frigate ITS Maestrale (F-570), French destroyer FS De Grasse (D-612), U.S. aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), U.S. cruiser USS Port Royal (CG-73), French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R-91), British Royal Navy amphibious warfare ship HMS Ocean (L-12), French frigate FS Surcouf (F-711), U.S. aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), Dutch frigate HNLMS Van Amstel (F-831) and Italian destroyer ITS Luigi Durand de la Penne (D-560). The coalition forces were deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Alta I. Cutler (# 020418-N-1587C-030).

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) heading to sea from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, May 2002.

The Canadian frigate HMCS Vancouver (CPF-331) steams alongside USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) in the Pacific Ocean, 20 May 2002, as ships from the JCS Battle Group return from deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Tina R. Lamb (# 020520-N-9312L-025).

Tugs churn up Pearl Harbor's shallow bassin as the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) departs pier H at the Naval station, May 23, 2002. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jayme Pastoric (020523-N-9769P-087).

San Diego, California, May 28, 2002 — USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) approaches the pier at Naval Air Station North Island after a six and a half month deployment conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jayme Pastoric (020528-N-9769P-098).

In port for a refit at San Diego, 21 August 2002 (actually taken at 9:27 am).

San Diego, Calif., Sept. 30, 2002 — An aerial view of San Diego Harbor with four of the Navy's aircraft carriers moored at the Naval Air Station, North Island. The carriers are (from left) USS Constellation (CV-64), USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). It is rare to have this many carriers in port at any one time. U.S. Navy photo (# 020930-N-7265L-001) by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Inez Lawson.

San Diego, 30 November 2002.

San Diego, 2 March 2003.

San Diego, 2 March 2003.

Pacific Ocean, April 3, 2003 — USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) underway off the coast of southern California, while conducting propulsion, navigation and damage control training exercises. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Joshua Word (# 030403-N-4768W-062).

Pacific Ocean, April 3, 2003 — Guided missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53) pulls along side USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) during an underway replenishment at sea (RAS). The aircraft carrier was conducting propulsion, navigation and damage control training exercises in the southern California operating area. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Joshua Word (# 030403-N-4768W-160).

San Diego, late June 2003.

San Diego, late June 2003.

Pacific Ocean, Aug. 12, 2003 — F/A-18F Super Hornets from the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Two (VFA-102) are prepared for night flight operations on the flight deck aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) during training exercises in the Southern California operating area. U.S. Navy photo (# 030812-N-6213R-223) by Photographer's Mate Airman Mark J. Rebilas.

San Diego, Calif., Oct. 26, 2003 — As a U.S. Navy SH-60 Seahawk flies above, USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) transits the San Diego channel, from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., as she heads to sea under a cloud of smoke from nearby burning wildfires. The carrier was leaving port to conduct scheduled training exercises in the Southern California operating area. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Mark Rebilas (# 031026-N-6213R-023).

Pacific Ocean, Dec. 4, 2003 — An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the "Flying Eagles" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Two Two (VFA-122) launches from the flight deck on the number two steam bow catapult aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). The San Diego-based aircraft carrier was at sea conducting training exercises in the Southern California operating area. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Joshua Word. (# 031204-N-4768W-112).

NAS North Island, January 10, 2004. Taken from the San Diego side near Navy Pier.

Pacific Ocean, March 20, 2004 — The nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) performs an underway replenishment (UNREP) with the fast combat support ship USS Sacramento (AOE-1). John C. Stennis spent over nine hours alongside Sacramento transferring over 900 pallets of ordnance and supplies. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Joshua Word (# 040320-N-4768W-068).

Pacific Ocean, April 7, 2004 — The nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) cruises the calm waters of the Southern California operating area. John C. Stennis and embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) had successfully completed a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Joshua Word (# 040407-N-4768W-052).

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) sails past Point Loma, Calif., on her way out to the Pacific Ocean from her homeport of San Diego, May 24, 2004. The ship and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) departed on a regularly scheduled deployment. The Carrier Strike Group (CSG) was comprised of the aircraft carrier John C. Stennis, Aegis-equipped guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG-57), Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Howard (DDG-83), guided-missile frigate USS Ford (FFG-54), Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Salt Lake City (SSN-716) and the military sealift command ship oiler USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Joshua Word (# 040524-N-4768W-116).

Pacific Ocean, June 25, 2004 — Ships from the United States and Canada navigate around the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) while underway in the Pacific Ocean during a multi-national photo exercise. John C. Stennis and embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) were at sea on a scheduled deployment, and were expected to participate in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2004, the largest international maritime exercise in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands. RIMPAC 2004 included seven participating nations: Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, South Korea, Britain and the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jayme Pastoric (# 040625-N-9769P-245).

The Canadian destroyer HMCS Algonquin (DDG-283) is shown underway in close formation with USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) and a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, 25 June 2004. Algonquin was participating in an eight-ship photo exercise just prior to participation in Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2004. RIMPAC is the largest international maritime exercise in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands, and there were eight participating nations in RIMPAC 2004: Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Peru, South Korea, Britain and the United States. RIMPAC is intended to enhance the tactical proficiency of participating units in a wide array of combined operations at sea, while enhancing stability in the Pacific Rim region. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jayme Pastoric (# 040625-N-9769P-082).

Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, June 29, 2004 — Sailors "man the rails" aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) as she arrives in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The aircraft carrier and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) were taking part in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2004, during her scheduled deployment supporting the Navy's new fleet response plan (FRP) Summer Pulse 2004. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Tina Lamb (# 040629-N-9312L-025).

Sailors aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) render honors to the USS Arizona Memorial as they arrive in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for the multi-national maritime exercise Rim of the Pacific on June 28, 2004. DoD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class William R. Goodwin, U.S. Navy (# 040629-N-3228G-005).

Pacific Ocean, July 6, 2004 — The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) steams out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on her way out to sea. John C. Stennis and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) were taking part in RIMPAC 2004, an exercise intended to enhance the tactical proficiency of participating units in a wide array of combined operations at sea, while enhancing stability in the Pacific Rim region. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Kevin Eichelberger (# 040706-N-5923E-041).

Culinary Specialist 1st Class Aldwin Peredo grills steak for more than 5000 sailors aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), 11 July 2004. The ship and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 were taking part in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2004, during their scheduled deployment supporting the Navy's new fleet response plan (FRP) Summer Pulse 2004. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Oscar Espinoza (# 040711-N-0841E-066).

Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, July 22, 2004 — The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) passes the USS Missouri memorial as she arrives in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. John C. Stennis and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) were taking part in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2004, the largest international maritime exercise in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands. That year's exercise included seven participating nations: Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. RIMPAC was intended to enhance the tactical proficiency of participating units in a wide array of combined operations at sea, while enhancing stability in the Pacific Rim region. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Victoria A. Tullock (# 040722-N-4995T-036).

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, July 2004.

A Grumman E-2C Hawkeye, of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113 "Black Eagles," Naval Air Station (NAS) Point Mugu, California, launches from one of four steam-powered catapults aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), 10 August 2004. John C. Stennis and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 were at sea on a scheduled deployment. USN photo by PH3 Mark J. Rebilas (040810-N-6213R-038).

Landing Signal Officers (LSO) aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) evaluate each arrested landing, August 13, 2004. The ship and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) were at sea on a regularly scheduled deployment participating in Joint Air Sea Exercise 2004 (JASEX 04) with the Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group and units from the U.S. Air Force in the Western Pacific. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Oscar Espinoza (# 040813-N-0841E-144).

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) cruises through the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean, October 19, 2004. John C. Stennis and embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) were on a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Charlie Whetstine (# 041019-N-7732W-113).

An HH-60H Seahawk, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Four (HS-4), performs a simulated search and rescue (SAR) mission alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) during plane guard duties in the Pacific Ocean, October 21, 2001. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Mark J. Rebilas (# 041021-N-6213R-064).

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) departs Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., for her new homeport of Bremerton, Wash., January 5, 2005. San Diego had been home for John C. Stennis and her crew members for six years. U.S. Navy photo by LaQuisha S. Davis (# 050105-N-7281D-038).

Bremerton, Wash., 2006. Four aircraft carriers (front to back): USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), ex-USS Ranger (CV-61), ex-USS Constellation (CV-64) and ex-USS Independence (CV-62). Also visible in this photo are a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, a Knox-class frigate and the fast combat support ships ex-USS Sacramento (AOE-1) and ex-USS Camden (AOE-2).

Photo taken from Discovery Park, Seattle, WA on January 24, 2006. This is a view of the USS John C. Stennis being escorted north through the Puget Sound, with the Olympic Mountain Range in the background.

January 2006.

A Grumman E-2C Hawkeye 2000 assigned to the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 approaches to land on the flight deck of USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), while the ship was underway in the Pacific Ocean, off the Southern California coast, conducting carrier qualifications, 13 July 2006. US Navy photo by MC3(SW) John Hyde (#060713-N-3729H-058) available from DefenseImagery.mil as photo id. DN-SD-07-00010.

An SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter from the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 8 hovers in front of USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) during a photo exercise showcasing the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, off the coast of Guam, February 6, 2007. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ron Reeves (#070206-N-0684R-952).

The British Batch III Type 22 frigate HMS Cornwall (F99) approaches USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) to provide plane-guard support to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier during flight operations in the Persian Gulf, 29 May 2007. Plane guard is a position where a ship provides support to the carrier in case of a man overboard or other incident. John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group was conducting operations in support of the Global War On Terrorism and was participating in an Expeditionary Strike Force exercise with Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, and Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ron Reeves (# 070529-N-0684R-089).

An SH-60F Seahawk, from the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8, hovers in the air as USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) transits through the Arabian Sea just prior to flight operations, 13 April 2007. John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group was on deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ron Reeves (# 070413-N-0684R-353).

Pacific Ocean, August 14, 2007 — Nimitz (CVN-68), Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and John C. Stennis (CVN-74) Carrier Strike Groups transit in formation during a joint photo exercise (PHOTOEX) during Valiant Shield 2007, the largest joint exercise in the Pacific this year. Held in the Guam operating area, Valiant Shield 2007 included 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

The aerial formation, led by an Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, consists of aircraft from the carrier strike groups as well as Air Force aircraft. Ships are, left to right: guided missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG-90); nuclear-propelled aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), followed by the guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG-59) and the guided missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53) and USS Pinckney (DDG-91); nuclear-propelled attack submarine USS Hampton (SSN-767); aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), followed by the guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG-63) and guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG-89); nuclear-propelled attack submarine USS Key West (SSN-722); nuclear-propelled aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), followed by the guided missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG-54) and the guided missile destroyers USS Preble (DDG-88) and USS O'Kane (DDG-77); the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer on the extreme right has not been positively identified, but is possibly USS Paul Hamilton (DDG-60).

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hana'lei Shimana (# 070814-N-6009S-001).

Another view, as above.

DoD photo # 1542987 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jarod Hodge.

Pacific Ocean, August 24, 2007 — Water sprays up after two F/A-18F Super Hornets, from the "Black Knights" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, drop 500-pound bombs during an air power demonstration aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). During the transit across the Pacific Ocean, the carrier hosted a Tiger Cruise for service members' family and friends who are invited to get underway with the ship. The Nimitz-class nuclear-propelled carrier was returning to the United States after a 7.5-month-long deployment promoting peace, regional cooperation and stability and supporting the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul J. Perkins (# 070824-N-2659P-139).

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) transits Coronado Bay as she arrives at Naval Air Station North Island, 27 August 2007. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier would disembark Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 before continuing on to her home port of Bremerton, Wash. The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group returned after a 7.5-month deployment promoting peace, regional cooperation and supporting the global war on terrorism.

NS027473a: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (MC3) Paul J. Perkins (#070827-N-2659P-012).

NS027473: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul J. Perkins (#070827-N-2659P-053).

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) steams through the Pacific Ocean, 13 May 2008. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and embarked Training Air Wing 1 and 2 were conducting Naval Aviation Training Command carrier qualifications off the coast of southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Davis Anderson (# 080513-N-3541A-013).

A specially-painted F/A-18C Hornet strike fighter from Fleet Readiness Center Southwest flies over Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California, and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), 18 November 2008. CDR Craig Reiner flew this Hornet to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the first Northrop Grumman F/A-18 flight. The aircraft was painted in the original Northrop Grumman paint scheme of the first F/A-18. U.S. Navy photo (# 081118-N-0000X-001).

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) departs Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, 17 January 2009, after embarking personnel assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was departing on a scheduled six-month deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elliot Fabrizio (# 090117-N-2610F-329).

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) pulls into Busan for a scheduled port visit, 11 March 2009. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was in Korea to participate in Key Resolve 2009, a combined exercise with the Republic of Korea. John C. Stennis was on a scheduled six-month deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Matthew Schwarz (# 090311-N-2610F-072).

Ships from the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) moored pierside at the Republic of Korea Navy Base Oryuk-Do in Busan, 12 March 2009. The Strike Group arrived March 11, while Blue Ridge pulled in March 5. Pictured from left are the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG-54) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG-88). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Schwarz (# 090312-N-1113S-197).

Ships from the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) moored pierside at the Republic of Korea Navy Base Oryuk-Do in Busan, 12 March 2009. The Strike Group arrived March 11, while Blue Ridge pulled in March 5. Pictured from left are the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG-54) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG-88). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Schwarz (# 090312-N-1113S-290).

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) returns to Naval Base Kitsap (Bremerton), her homeport, from an overseas deployment, 10 July 2009. The deployment, to WestPac and the North Arabian Sea, had begun on 13 January; air wing was Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9).

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) returns to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Wash., 18 December 2009, after conducting Carrier Qualifications off Southern California.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) departs Bremerton, 20 January 2010, to conduct Carrier Qualifications off Southern California.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) departs Bremerton, 14 December 2010, to conduct sea trials during the final phase of a six-month planned incremental availability in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) arrives in San Diego, 10 February 2011, to participate in the Centennial of Naval Aviation Open House and Parade of Flight at Naval Air Station North Island. The Navy was observing the Centennial of Naval Aviation with a series of events nationwide celebrating 100 years of heritage, progress and achievement in naval aviation. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Briana C. Brotzman (# 110210-N-2344B-080).

A formation of F/A-18 Hornet strike fighters assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the "Blue Angels," fly over USS Peleliu (LHA-5)—bottom, center— and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74)—bottom, right— in San Diego Harbor, 12 February 2011, while participating in the Parade of Flight, an air show showcasing historic and current Naval aircraft in celebration of the Centennial of Naval Aviation. The Navy was observing the Centennial of Naval Aviation with a series of nationwide events celebrating 100 years of heritage, progress and achievement in naval aviation. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Roland A. Franklin (# 110212-N-8158F-601).

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) departs Naval Base Kitsap, 25 July 2011. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was on her way to the Western Pacific Ocean and the Persian Gulf for a scheduled seven-month deployment. The submarine across the pier is USS Connecticut (SSN-22). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Steckler (# 110725-N-RG482-030).

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) transits the Strait of Malacca, 9 September 2011, after leaving Port Klang, Malaysia. The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group was on a scheduled Western Pacific Ocean and Persian Gulf deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Crossley (# 110909-N-BT887-171).

U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain's Mate Equipment Airman Tory Utz checks wind speeds across the deck while manning the catapult control panel during flight operations aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), 10 January 2012, in the Arabian Sea. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area Of Responsibility to conduct maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Crossley (# 120110-N-BT887-094).

A C-2A Greyhound assigned to the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Combat Squadron (VRC) 30 lands on the flight deck of USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), in the Pacific Ocean, 27 June 2012. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was in transit to San Diego for Fleet Replenishment Carrier Qualifications. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nolan Kahn (# 120627-N-NK714-107).

Postcard, Type 12 cancel with the old date format (one part stacked above the other), 8 January 2005.

"U.S.S. JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74)—Honoring Senator John C. Stennis, an elder statesman who represented the State of Mississippi for many years. The ship was built by the Newport News Shipbuilding Co. of Newport News, Virginia as a Nuclear Aircraft Carrier whose mission is to operate as the centerpiece of a Carrier Battle Group with her Air Wing. Commissioned on December 9, 1995."