USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) arrived n Everett June 29 to off load Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 squadron Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 from NAS Whidbey Island.

The following day, family and friends of crew members boarded the aircraft carrier for a Tiger Cruise to San Diego where the ship will offload the remainder of CVW 9 before returning to its homeport in Bremerton.

The squadrons of CVW-9 and the ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 deployed with Stennis to form the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) six months ago.

The strike group deployed on a scheduled deployment in support maritime security, improving relations with partner nations throughout the Western Pacific by conducting port visits and joint operations.

“We’ve got enduring partnerships around the world,” said Carrier Strike Group Commander, Rear Adm. Mark Vance. “During deployment our efforts strengthened relationships in the Pacific region and provided 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.

“Our economy and national security depend on freedom of the high seas,” said Stennis’ commanding officer Capt. Joseph Kuzmick. “Operational commitments at-sea and ashore during deployment improved our interoperability with international partners and increased maritime security and stability in the region.”

CVW 9 includes: Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146, Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 323, Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 138, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112 and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.

DESRON 21 includes Arleigh-Burke class destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Preble (DDG 88). JCSCSG also includes guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54).