Seen off West Seattle: USS John C. Stennis, returning home

7:15 AM: About six weeks after its most-recent departure on a training mission, the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) is on its way back to Bremerton. A texter just sent word that it’s visible passing south Bainbridge Island right now.

8:26 AM: Thanks to Jim Borrow for the photo! Added above. P.S. After 13 years homeported in Bremerton, the Stennis is scheduled to move to Norfolk soon, per this report from shortly after its July departure; the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), meantime, will be moving here.

JCS September 12, 2018 (8:56 am)

I served on this ship 20 years ago, completing it’s round the world maiden voyage from Norfolk to San Diego. Not sure exactly how John C. Stennis, the most racist southern democrat ever got a carrier named for him. They should rename it the USS Martin Luther King if they really want to represent something truly inspiring, truly American. Nonetheless, still a beautiful ship and always nice to see a bit of my personal history show up here.