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New Stennis CO Holds First All-Hands Call

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060604-06
Release Date: 6/4/2006 9:16:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Ryan Hill, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

USS JOHN C. STENNIS (NNS) -- New USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Commanding Officer Capt. Bradley E. Johanson held his first all-hands call with the ship's crew in the hangar bay May 8.

Throughout his speech, Johanson talked with Sailors about the ship's schedule, changes that will take place and how proud he is of the work Stennis Sailors have done.

“I can not be more happy than to have the opportunity to serve you, and I want to thank you right up front for the phenomenal work that you all have put into this ship,” Johanson said to the thousands of Stennis Sailors that stood around him. “The change of command on Friday was absolutely fantastic. The ship was just glowing. The folks that got a chance to tour the ship had great reviews on how it looked.”

Johanson spoke with the Sailors about their success during the dry-docked planned incremental availability period, the inspection and survey period and the preparations for the change of command. Then he spoke about the ship's future, including the training evolutions in preparation for the scheduled deployment in 2007.

Some of these evolutions include the Carrier and Airwing Readiness Training (CART) and the Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA).

CART is an opportunity for the afloat training group to take a look at Stennis’ training program and identify what areas they need to be hands-on with and what areas they can be pretty hands-off with, said Johanson. “TSTA is unit-level training. It’s us and the air wing showing that we can fight with the ship, do damage control, medical response, shoot missiles, defend against small-boat attacks and defeat anything that the enemy can potentially throw at us.”

It isn’t all work and no play for the future of Stennis. Johanson assured the assembled Sailors that there will be plenty of opportunity for some entertaining liberty and underway periods. The ship is scheduled to participate in Seattle’s Seafair this summer. During two future underway periods, Stennis will conduct ‘Friends and Family’ day cruises, so Sailors can have a chance to show others what it is they do for a living. Sailors can also expect an increase in on-board Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) activities through the coming months.

“We are going to have steel beach picnics, talent shows, battles of the bands, X-box gaming wars and other things like that,” said Johanson. “Any ideas Sailors have, they should make sure their MWR representative knows so we can try to fold it into the schedule. We want to capture a little bit of recharge time while we’re at sea because we’re not going to be in port for much of this year.”

Johanson also spoke about how pleased he was with some of the programs already in place on Stennis, including Marks on the Bulkhead, a program designed to help Sailors accomplish their personal goals.

“We want to support you in pursuing your educational goals, physical fitness goals and any kind of emotional, spiritual and mental goal you have set in your life,” said Johanson. “Please take part in the Marks on the Bulkhead program so that we can support you in what you want to get in life.”

Johanson assumed command of Stennis May 5.

For more information on Stennis activities check the ship's Web site at www.CVN74.navy.mil.