Two brothers, who have spent years and made several deployments aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), will part ways when the ship leaves San Diego for its new homeport in Bremerton.

Information Systems Technician 2nd Class (SW) Charles Jones and Electronics Technician 3rd Class (SW/AW) Jeffrey Jones; originally from Clark County Ill., have spent the last four years assigned to the same ship, making three deployments from San Diego.

Two-years apart in age, the years aboard Stennis has brought them closer as Sailors and as brothers. One will move with the ship to Bremerton this week, the other will stay behind to transfer to Japan later this year.

“I’m looking forward to a change in scenery,” said 23-year-old Jeffrey and youngest of the two, “Although I will miss San Diego, I can’t wait to snowboard in Washington state.”

“I’m a bit more sentimental about it than Jeff,” said 25-year-old Charles, “Whatever we need is here but shipboard life is hard-It’s great to serve on the same ship with my brother-it made deployments much easier and less lonely.”

Jeffrey said he joined the Navy just four days before his brother. “I’m the youngest, but was the first,” joked Jeffrey who also liked having his brother aboard.

The Jones brothers became Sailors for the challenges and opportunities the Navy could offer them. Both brothers say they love their Navy jobs. Jeffrey says it’s great being on a carrier.

“I enjoy trouble shooting systems and gaining real-world experience-there is so much to do,” said Jeffrey.

Charles works with combat weapons systems. He was given the option to stay aboard, but he chose to pursue new opportunities with the Navy in Osawa, Japan. “I will miss the ship and definitely miss my brother and all the great friends I have made,” said Charles. “Stennis has the best quality of life for Sailors and a strong leadership.”

Charles transfers to Japan later this year.