USS John C. Stennis Visits Kota Kinabalu

Ambassador Paul W. Jones, RDML Gaouette, Capt. Reis and Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan cutting a cake that resembles the aircraft carrier USS Stennis. This visit marks the first time a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier has visited Sabah. (U.S. Embassy photo)

The cultural group from Sabah Tourism Board invited all guests to the Sumazau dance, a popular dance in Sabah. (U.S. Embassy photo)

“Supercarrier” USS John C. Stennis pulled into Kota Kinabalu waters on Sunday, September 30, 2012, on a scheduled port visit.  This visit marks the first time a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier has visited the capital city of Sabah.
 
Public Affairs Officer Lt. Commander Zachary Harrell and the crew of the ship warmly welcomed 16 members of the press for a tour aboard the ship.  The group was later introduced to the Commander of the Carrier Strike Group Three, Rear Admiral Charles M. Gaouette and Commanding Officer of the USS Stennis, Captain Ronald Reis.  Named for Senator John C. Stennis of Mississippi, the mission of the USS Stennis is to conduct sustained combat air operations.  Captain Reis explained that nearly 5,000 service men and women live, work, and study aboard the carrier.  Naval officers gave a tour of the ship and answered questions about the ship, learned about life at sea and what it’s like to live on a ship for months at a time. 

In addition to the media tour, Rear Admiral Gaouette and Ambassador Paul W. Jones also hosted a reception for invited guests from Kota Kinabalu on Monday, October 1, 2012.  Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and Dato' Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin, Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board were among the VIP guests attended the event.  The guests and Navy personnel were entertained by the cultural performances brought by Sabah Tourism.