Carrier USS John C. Stennis Arrives in Korea For Port Visit, Exercises

March 14, 2016 2:39 PM
USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) arrives at Commander, Republic of Korea Fleet base in Busan, the new home on March 12, 2016. US Navy Photo
USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) arrives at Commander, Republic of Korea Fleet base in Busan, the new home on March 12, 2016. US Navy Photo

The U.S. has sent a carrier strike group to South Korea to take part in Operations Foal Eagle and Key Resolve – the annual bilateral exercises between the two countries.

The CSG, centered on USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), arrived in Korean port of Busan on Sunday for a several day port visit ahead of joining the exercise, defense officials told USNI News last week.

In addition to Stennis, “ 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,” according a release from the service.

The two bilateral annual exercises are the largest between the two countries since 2010, according to a story in Marine Corps Times.

“For the first time, Key Resolve will test the new U.S.-South Korean military strategy operation plan, Operations Plan 5015, which aims to deter North Korea’s possible use of weapons of mass destruction by preemptive attack,” wrote the paper.

The U.S. has committed 15,000 troops to join 300,000 Republic of Korea (ROK) forces.

In the related Ssang Yong 16 exercise, Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit assigned to the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group conducted amphibious exercises with the ROK troops, as well as with forces from New Zealand and Australia on March 12.

North Korea has vowed military action in response to the exercises.

The following is the complete March 14, 2016 release from the U.S. Navy on Stennis’ Busan port visit.

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dakota Rayburn

BUSAN, South Korea – John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG), the centerpiece of the U.S. Navy’s Great Green Fleet (GGF) initiative, arrived in the Republic of Korea (ROK) 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 (COMREL) events, and morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) 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, Fla. “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 (CVW) 9 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 embarked Chung-Hoon, Stockdale, William P. Lawrence, and Mobile Bay.

CVW-9 consists of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 and Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 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.

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
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