USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) received an outstanding on their Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) June 16 when the crew demonstrated
they could defend the ship and combat casualties in multiple, complex scenarios. FEP is a two-day, graded event that tests ships’
abilities to conduct combat missions, survive complex casualties and sustain support functions.
“Stennis hit this one out of the park!  The crew set their sights on FEP, with minimal preparation time and achieved a record score
that will be extremely hard to beat,” said Stennis Executive Officer Cmdr. David Burnham.  “This crew crushed every FEP score in
recent carrier fleet history.”
Afloat Training Group (ATG) Pacific, embarked as trainers and evaluators, has been scrutinizing Stennis’ abilities since departing
San Diego May 26.
“The John C. Stennis crew was evaluated on their ability to perform operationally and their ability to survive at sea,” said ATG Team
Leader Lt. Regina Rogers.  “The crew is trained and prepared to respond to any casualty, in the event it comes their way.”
To ratchet things up even more, ATG introduced FEP’s Total Ship Survivability Exercise (TSSE).  At the peak of casualties and related
stress, ATG wanted to determine if Stennis had the ability to survive and recover from significant battle damage.
TSEE combined cumulative casualties to deliver life-like scenarios to Stennis.  General quarters (GQ), at-sea fire party and medical
drills tested and improved Sailors’ skills.  Just like each link in an anchor’s chain must be strong, FEP and TSSE demanded strong
performances from Stennis’ individual teams and departments.
The at-sea fire party was evaluated on each of their respected abilities to combat fires, equipment knowledge and provide assistance
to personnel casualties.  Sailors’ skills were put to the test in repair lockers as they demonstrated their damage control and
first-aid knowledge.  Stennis’ medical department assisted the wounded during mass casualty drills in the hangar bays and
in repair lockers during the evaluation. 
Combat systems department conducted equipment casualty scenarios on systems like radar, communications and navigation.
Operations department created a simulated hostile environment to test Stennis’ ability to defend against missile, small boat
and enemy aircraft attacks.  Weapons department was assessed on proper procedures of using the .50-caliber guns gun, rules
of engagement and communication. 
Stennis Combat Direction Center Officer and Integrated Training Team Coordinator Cmdr. Brian Albro said he attributes the
success of FEP to every Sailor’s skill and knowledge demonstrated during the event.
“I’m always impressed with the crew of John C. Stennis, how we come together and work as a team,” said Albro.  “When new
challenges were piled on by the training teams, the crew stepped up and performed.  You can see it across all the GQs we have
done; their performance has increased and continues to be superb.”
FEP is part of the Navy’s commitment to maintain war fighting readiness and to develop its Sailors, essential elements of America’s
maritime strategy.  The successful completion of FEP shows that Stennis has the solid foundation of unit-level operating proficiency
needed to support U.S. interests at home and abroad.