SOUTH CHINA SEA – Engineman 3rd Class Ciaran Stephens, a resident of Huntsville, serves aboard the USS Chief, an Avenger class ship, in the South China Sea.

The USS Chief is part of Mine Countermeasure Squadron 7 that is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners. The vessel also serves as a ready-response platform for contingency operations.

Among his daily tasks, Stephens often inspects fuel samples aboard the mine countermeasures ship. These assignments for Stephens help in replenishment efforts aboard the USS Chief.  

The USS Chief was named in honor of the service and tradition of all Chief Petty Officers in the U.S. Navy. Peterson Shipbuilders in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. constructed the ship. The homeport for the USS Chief is Sasebo, Japan.

During its service, the USS Chief has completed port visits in Manila, Philippines while operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The Chief’s crew has worked with counterparts in the Philippine Navy to strengthen regional security and stability, along with working to enhance interoperability.

In December 1943, the USS Chief departed San Diego to participate in exercises off Hawaii and then sailed for Kwajalein. She performed mine sweeping and antisubmarine duties in Kwajalein and convoy duty to Eniwetok. USS Chief cleared mines for the invasions of Saipan and Tinian and gave fire support to troops ashore (www.public.navy.mil).

The Navy Office of Community Outreach or NAVCO produced this feature article and photographs for Engineman Stephens and hundreds of other sailors and military personnel. Employees in the outreach office travel the globe to collect and distribute photos to their hometown media.

MC2 (SW/AW) Theodore Quintana in the outreach office documented Engineman Stephens’ work.

The Media Outreach Department with the Navy Office of Community Outreach is located at 5722 Integrity Drive, Bldg. 456-3 in Millington, Tenn. For more information, visit www.outreach.navy.mil, Facebook/Navy Outreach, Twitter @NavyOutreach or Instagram @US_Navy_Outreach.