Commodore visits ships at sea

Photo By Alexander D Washofsky | Capt. John Esposito, commander, Destroyer Squadron 60, speaks to the crew of the guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) during an all hands call. Mahan, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo Ensign Alexander Washofsky/Released)  

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN, USAFRICOM, AT SEA

05.03.2013

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Turner
USS Gravely Public Affairs

MEDITERRANEAN SEA - The commander of Destroyer Squadron 60 (DESRON 60), Capt. John Esposito, completed a tour of ships under his command in the Mediterranean Sea, April 29-May 1.

During the three-day trip, the commodore visited the guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely (DDG 107), USS Mahan (DDG 72) and USS Barry (DDG 52), and the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61), where he met with sailors and was able to observe the crews in their at-sea routine.

"It is important for commanders to visit our ships and actually surround ourselves with the sailors who work on the deckplate level,” said Esposito. “They are the ones who actually get the job done."
During his visits, Esposito observed flight operations, navigation operations and toured divisional spaces.

"The commodore's mid-deployment visit serves as a positive reminder to the crew of the impact of our hard work,” said Lt. j.g. Carissa Hawley, Mahan’s navigator. “It's always a great opportunity to ask questions and get immediate feedback from the top."

While aboard each ship, Esposito met with the commanding officers, talked about upcoming commitments and observed tactical-level operations.

Esposito was pleased with the status of the ships and thanked them for a job well done.

“Every sailor out here contributes to the team effort, which allows our ships to do all the great things they do," said Esposito. “I truly believe they are some of the best Sailors in the fleet.”

“I especially enjoyed the chance to meet some of the crew on each ship,” said Esposito.

"These sailors are doing a great job and these ships are accomplishing an important mission.”

Barry, Mahan, Gravely and Monterey, all homeported in Norfolk, Va., are on scheduled deployments supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

• Date Taken: 05.03.2013
• Date Posted: 05.06.2013 15:03
• Story ID: 106425
• Location: EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN, USAFRICOM, AT SEA