Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Christine Montgomery | 220930-N-TC847-1001 SOUDA BAY, Greece (Sept. 30, 2022) A tugboat pulls alongside the...... read more read more
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SOUDA BAY, Greece – The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) departed Souda Bay, Greece, Sept. 30, 2022. During the scheduled port visit, the crew participated in activities hosted by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee which enabled Sailors to acquaint themselves with the local culture and sites of Crete.
“This port visit will be fondly remembered,” said Capt. Michael Weeldreyer, commanding officer of Leyte Gulf. “America’s Battle Cruiser immersed itself in the rich Greek culture. We created friendships and lasting memories thanks to the hospitality of our partners and allies here in Souda Bay.”
In an effort to show mutual commitment and trust, Leyte Gulf’s crew helped clean and beautify Kalathas beach during a community relations (COMREL) event.
“It was refreshing to see our Sailors bring their commitment to the local community by prioritizing service in their liberty plans,” Lt. Chris Terrell, chaplain aboard Leyte Gulf. “That spirit of helpfulness and kindness is not just for the benefit of others. The Sailor benefits every time they can put their values into action beyond their naval service, reinforcing what they hold as life-giving. There’s more going on in a COMREL than just the project itself.”
After several long weeks at sea, the crew took in the sites while making lasting memories of their time in Crete.
“Elafonisi Beach was stunning,” said Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Ezequiel Cervantes. “The food was delicious and the scenic route was incredible. My favorite part was being able to interact with the locals and have the chance to learn about the culture and even some new Greek phrases.”
Leyte Gulf, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, is part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG), operating in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operation for a scheduled deployment.
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, GHWBCSG. CSG-10 is comprised of George H.W. Bush, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Information Warfare Commander, and Leyte Gulf.
The ships of DESRON-26 within CSG-10 are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119).
The squadrons of CVW-7 embarked aboard George H.W. Bush are the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, the “Nighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Pukin Dogs” of VFA-143, the “Bluetails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.
The GHWBCSG is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.
| Date Taken: | 09.30.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.08.2022 09:27 |
| Story ID: | 431014 |
| Location: | GR |
| Web Views: | 56 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) Departs Souda Bay, Greece, by PO2 Christine Montgomery, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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