On October 21, 2020, incoming commanding officers of the USS FORD, USS STENNIS, and USS VINSON visited Capitol Hill. The Stennis Center for Public Service regularly brings prospective commanding officers (PCOs) and members of Congress together to enhance civil-military relationships.

Others in attendance included Congressional staff members: Pat Thompson, National Security Advisor, Office of Sen. Roger Wicker; Creighton Greene, Professional Staff Member, Senate Armed Forces Committee; Tom Mancinelli, National Security Advisor, Office of Sen. Chris Coons, and; Max Huntley, Military Legislative Assistant, Office of Rep. Rob Wittman. U.S. Navy Captain Blair Guy also attended the program.

The purpose of the Stennis Center’s PCO program is to foster connections between members of Congress, senior-level staff, and incoming PCOs of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The PCO program takes place during officers’ final steps before assuming command and helps to develop an understanding of national security issues and congressional interests between civilian congressional leaders and main fleet units. The PCO program also helps improve civil-military relations by facilitating a periodic luncheon or dinner on Capitol Hill for PCOs.