NORFOLK, VA. – Jonathan Corbin from Huntsville works as an Interior Communication Electrician in the U.S. Navy.

Corbin is one of the crew aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in Norfolk, Va. One responsibility among Corbin’s many work assignments is to complete control measures to eliminate corrosion on the flight deck of the carrier.

The Stennis’ crew supports the Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic.

The John C. Stennis Strike Group synchronizes the capabilities of multiple ships and squadrons to provide coordinated forward presence around the globe. The forces, which include up to 10 ships and 70 aircraft, maintain flexibility for missions and stay ready to engage.

When not deployed, the strike group functions under the operational and administrative control of Commander 3rd Fleet, with additional duties to Commander of Naval Air Forces; Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet; and Commander of Naval Surface Forces.

When deployed, the strike group is directed operationally by the area commander, which can direct the 3rd Fleet in the Eastern Pacific; 7th Fleet in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean; or 5th Fleet in the North Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf.

Stennis and her crew provide forward presence and credible deterrence. The crew conducts sustained air operations, maritime interdiction, counter-piracy operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

In March 1988, Newport News Ship Building Company was awarded the contract to build the USS John C. Stennis, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. In November 1993, the ship was christened in honor of Sen. John Cornelius Stennis of Mississippi. USS John Stennis was commissioned in December 1995.

Sen. Stennis served in the U.S. Senate for 41 years. He grew up on a farm in one of the poorest counties in Mississippi. His work ethic led him to become President Pro Tempore, third in line of succession to the presidency.

More than 3,000 men and women live aboard the USS Stennis. The vessel is capable of speeds greater than 30 knots and can steam more than 1 million miles before refueling. Its flight deck is 257 feet wide and 1,092 feet long — equivalent to three football fields in length.

The Navy Office of Community Outreach or NAVCO produced this information. NAVCO is located in Millington, Tenn. For more information, visit outreach.navy.mil.