Woldegiorgis, an aviation weapons handler, stores, moves and loads all types of weapons carried on naval aircraft. The one-year Navy veteran understands why Navy ships spend extended periods overseas. Woldegiorgis serves aboard one of the biggest ships in the world. Even more impressive is the ship's arsenal. More than 75 aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and helicopters, operate from the carrier's deck.
Sailors can launch four jets a minute from the ship in emergencies.
Two nuclear reactors generate the carrier's electricity and propulsion. The Navy will not have to refuel these reactors for 15 years. To work aboard the Stennis, a Sailor must be one of the best in the Navy at his or her job. The Stennis' crew patrols in regions hostile to U.S. interests, and the president could order the carrier into action should trouble occur. The Navy commissioned the Stennis on Dec. 9, 1995.