USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) arrives in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Christine Montgomery | 221230-N-TC847-1010 PALMA DE MALLORCA, Spain (Dec. 30, 2022) Operations Specialist 3rd Class Alec Sanders, assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), stands watch on the bridge wing as the ship arrives in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, for a scheduled port visit, Dec. 30, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christine Montgomery)  

SPAIN

12.30.2022

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christine Montgomery 

Carrier Strike Group 10

PALMA DE MALLORCA, Spain (Dec. 30, 2022) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) arrived in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, for a scheduled port visit, Dec. 30, 2022.

The stop in Palma marks the ship’s fourth port visit since departing Norfolk, Va. in August for a scheduled deployment.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be visiting Palma,” said Capt. Michael Weeldryer, commanding officer of Leyte Gulf. “What a fantastic way to begin 2023!”

Across Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, Sailors have been working with allies to strengthen international relationships and serving as ambassadors on the world stage.

Prior to the port visit, Leyte Gulf completed an air defense exercise with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 and Italian allies from the Orizzonte/Horizon-class guided-missile destroyer ITS Andrea Doria (D 553). Integration with allied militaries and port visits to ally nations reflect the United States’ commitment to regional relationships and the success of the larger NATO Alliance.

While in Palma, the ship’s leaders will bolster the relationship between the U.S. and Spain, enhancing interoperability between the two NATO countries. Leyte Gulf’s crew will have the opportunity to experience some well-deserved rest and relaxation to ring in the new year while taking in the rich culture and sights of the Spanish islands.

Leyte Gulf, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is part of the USS George H.W. Bush CSG and is operating in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations as part of a scheduled deployment with the strike group.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is the flagship of CSG-10, George H.W. Bush CSG. CSG-10 is comprised of George H.W. Bush, 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 the 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.

For over 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

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.

• Date Taken: 12.30.2022
• Date Posted: 12.30.2022 11:38
• Story ID: 436016
• Location: ES