The crew of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) returned home ahead of schedule, June 30, after completing their objectives during a two-month underway period.
During the two months at sea, the captain and crew of Stennis and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 endured just about any scenario thinkable to test and
recertify the ship and its crew in critical mission-related areas, from combating casualties at general quarters to landing aircraft on the flight deck.
One of the largest goals of the underway was tackling Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA).  During TSTA, Afloat Training Group (ATG) Pacific assessed
the crew’s proficiency, and ability to train itself, in all operational areas, directly or indirectly. 
“TSTA is designed to bring a ship from an extended maintenance period to being fully operationally ready in a mere three weeks,” said Stennis Operations Officer
Capt. Greg Johnston.
The last two days of TSTA brought the Final Evaluation Problem (FEP).  FEP is a two-day graded assessment that tests the ships’ and the air wings’ ability to fully
integrate and operate while taking on significant combat damage. 
“The crew is trained and prepared to respond to any casualty, in the event it comes their way,” said ATG Team Leader Lt. Regina Rogers.
Although all-hands were involved in TSTA, ships’ company as a whole focused on beefed-up general quarters drills, while the nine squadrons of the air wing
concentrated on reintegration as a single force called Team Shogun. Simultaneously, both Stennis and CWV-9 were coming together as the core of the John
C. Stennis Strike Group. 
“Our grades during TSTA, FEP were 10 points higher than we earned during the last cycle [June-July 2006] and the highest this ATG team has seen of any CVN
[nuclear aircraft carrier] evaluated,” said Commanding Officer, Capt. Brad Johanson. “That is a true testimony to the spirit of professionalism aboard USS John
C. Stennis.”
Inside and outside of TSTA there were many major certifications that the Stennis-Shogun team accomplished.
“Throughout this two-month underway, Stennis capitalized on every opportunity and precisely executed all tasking,” said Johnston. 
One early accomplishment of the team was the flight deck certification.  This opened the landing strip and its four catapults for Training Command Carrier
Qualification (TCCQ) and Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualification (FRSCQ).
“The high level of efficiency and proficiency of the crew, throughout TSTA/FEP and Carrier Qualifications, has enabled us to complete ahead of schedule,”
said Johnston.
During carrier qualifications, Stennis reached out to help train U.S. Navy pilots as well as coalition pilots from France and India.
“It’s really important to have a good relationship with America,” said Lt. Eshudosh Bobade, a pilot for the Indian Navy.  “I got to come here and train with a
United States carrier.  If I was in India right now, it would take me four or five years to get my carrier qualification.”
The crews’ dedication during these qualifications is being recognized and rewarded.
“Because we were so effective in qualifying the student pilots during the three carrier qualification periods over the past two months, Commander Naval Air
Forces has decided they no longer need us to go to sea in August to qualify more students,” said Johanson. “Due to our effectiveness in supporting training
commands, we will now get to spend more time with our families.”
In the final days of the underway period, Stennis loaded and stored more than two million pounds of ordnance in less than 48 hours.  This is enough ordnance
to last Stennis through its next deployment, said the Ship’s Gunner Lt. Jason Parmley.
With these evolutions complete, Stennis returns home a few steps closer to deployment readiness and eager to spend time at home with friends and family. 
Stennis’ preparation for deployment is part of the Navy’s commitment to maintain a force of combat power capable of protecting America’s vital interests, and
assuring regional stability as part of America’s maritime strategy.