About this Unit
USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned into the United States Navy on December 9, 1995. Named after U.S. Senator John C. Stennis, the carrier has played a vital role in power projection, maritime security, and humanitarian missions worldwide. She participated in major operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, launching airstrikes and supporting ground forces in the Middle East. The Stennis has also conducted numerous training exercises and joint operations with allied navies, demonstrating the Navy's global reach and readiness.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) is named after Senator John C. Stennis of Mississippi, who served over 41 years in the U.S. Senate and was a strong supporter of the U.S. Navy.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on December 9, 1995, at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.
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Class: She is the seventh Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
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First Combat Deployment: Stennis embarked on her first combat deployment in 1998, supporting Operation Southern Watch enforcing the no-fly zone over southern Iraq.
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Record-Breaking Distance: During her 1998 deployment, Stennis sailed more than 70,000 nautical miles, setting a record for the longest distance traveled by a U.S. Navy carrier in a single deployment.
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Key Role in War on Terror: After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Stennis participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, launching airstrikes against Taliban and Al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan.
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Homeport Moves: She has shifted homeports multiple times, from Norfolk, Virginia to San Diego, California, and then to Bremerton, Washington, reflecting strategic needs.
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Supercarrier Size: The ship is over 1,090 feet long, can carry up to 90 aircraft, and has a crew complement (including air wing) of over 5,000 personnel.
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Hollywood Appearance: USS John C. Stennis was featured in the movie "Battleship" (2012), representing the might of the U.S. Navy.
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Future as USS Harriet Tubman: In March 2023, the U.S. Navy announced its intent to rename USS John C. Stennis as USS Harriet Tubman, in honor of the famed abolitionist and Union spy, as part of a broader review of military assets named after controversial figures.
