John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group Visits Hong Kong

HONG KONG (NNS) -- The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) arrived in Hong Kong Feb. 17, for a scheduled port visit during its western Pacific Ocean deployment.

The strike group supports maritime security in the region, regional partnerships through joint operations and by conducting community service projects during port visits with host nations.

"We've got enduring partnerships around the world," said Carrier Strike Group Commander Rear Adm. Mark Vance. "We want to continue these relationships in the Pacific region and provide safety and security for our nation."

The United States Maritime Strategy focuses on joint and international partnerships across a range of operations through forward presence, deterrence, freedom of the world's sea lanes, maritime security and humanitarian assistance/disaster response.

JCSCSG includes Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Carrier Air Wing 9: Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 8, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, VFA 154, VFA 146, Marine Strike Fighter Squadron 323, Electronic Warfare Squadron 138, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 112 and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30. JCSCSG also includes Destroyer Squadron 21: Arleigh-Burke class destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Preble (DDG 88) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54).