Ron Reeves News

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) prepares to pull into Pearl Harbor. Stennis returns to the United States after a 7.5-month-long deployment to promote peace, regional cooperation and stability while supporting the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ron Reeves (RELEASED)

Sailors from USS John C. Stennis’ Strike Group (CVN 74) completed their Force Protection Exercise (FPEX) while in port in San Diego, Sept. 20. The exercise was designed to test the ship’s security and was one of the final tests before Stennis is declared ready for deployment. “FPEX is an essential milestone in the preparation for our upcoming deployment,” said Capt. Brad E. Johanson, Stennis’ commanding officer. Stennis blew through the exercise, once again scoring among the top of all aircraft carriers in the fleet. “It was the best score they’d seen in [more than] two years,” said Lt. Brett Gunderson, Stennis’ security officer, referring to the Force Protection Certification Team.