KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia - After four weeks at sea, ships from the John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG), including the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) arrived in Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia Sept. 30 for a scheduled port visit.

This visit marks the first time a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier has visited the capital city of Sabah, adjoining the South China Sea.

"It's an honor to be the first aircraft carrier to visit here," said Capt. Ron Reis, Stennis' commanding officer. "This is a great opportunity for us to strengthen the relationship that exists between our two countries and our Sailors are looking forward to experiencing the wonderful Malaysian culture."

Sailors from the JCSSG will have the chance to engage with local officials, volunteer their time to community service projects, and participate in cultural tours offered by Stennis' Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) department.

The JCSSG is currently deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations conducting at-sea training and cooperative engagements with regional partners before making its way into the U.S. 5th Fleet.

The strike group consists of Stennis, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, Mobile Bay, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21.