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Johanson Assumes Command of Stennis

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060507-02
Release Date: 5/7/2006 12:08:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Christopher Gethings, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Capt. Bradley E. Johanson relieved Capt. David H. Buss as commanding officer of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in a change-of-command ceremony held in the ship's hanger bay May 5.

“To the crew: I prowled the ship last Monday night… during my last night underway,” began Buss. “The ship told me of her Sailors’ professionalism and their vigilance. She was proud.”

Buss assumed command of Stennis in December 2003 as the ship’s fifth commanding officer. Since then, Buss has taken the ship through a successful deployment during 2004, where Stennis participated in various international exercises. He also saw the ship through a homeport change from San Diego to Bremerton, a nine-month docked planned incremental availability (DPIA) period and a recently-completed successful board of inspection and survey (INSURV).

Buss received word the day before the ceremony of his selection to rear admiral (lower half).

“I’m pleased that the results came just prior to the change of command,” he said. “This way the crew can help me share in the success because it’s been the crew of the John C. Stennis that made this promotion happen.”

Before taking over command of Stennis, Johanson served as chief of current operations at U.S. Northern Command, where he orchestrated military relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

“It is my goal to keep this spirit of excellence alive and well,” said Johanson to the ship’s officers and crew. “[Rear] Adm. (select) Buss, my thanks to you, sir.”

The Salem, Ore., native enlisted in the Navy and became a nuclear-power-designated machinist’s mate in 1977. Shortly after that, he was awarded a Navy scholarship and received his commission in 1980. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Jacksonville and a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College.

He has served on almost every aircraft carrier in the Pacific Fleet, including USS Ranger (CV 61), USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and finally, he is a plankowner, having served as executive officer aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

His first shipboard command tour was aboard the amphibious assault ship, USS Denver (LPD 9), homeported at Naval Station San Diego.

Johanson’s decorations include a Defense Superior Service Medal, a Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars.

John C. Stennis is the flagship for Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, which includes Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, USS O’Kane (DDG 77), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Key West (SSN 722) and USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10).