By Petty Officer 2nd Class Felicito Rustique
BERGEN, Norway – Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, visited the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Montpelier at Haakonsvern Naval Base in Bergen, Norway, Aug. 30.
Cmdr. Tom Winter, commanding officer of Montpelier, said his crew was glad to have crossed the Atlantic and have the fleet commander visit the ship.
“We are very excited to have joined 6th Fleet and to have the opportunity to visit Norway. We are focused and ready to accomplish any mission that comes our way,” said Winter. “It’s always good to hear about the most recent events, and what the fleet commander is thinking. It’s an honor to have 6th Fleet aboard Montpelier.”
Seaman Valentay Williams, yeoman, said having a high-ranking official like Harris aboard was a great experience.
“It was shocking to have a commander like him come visit us for the first time,” said Williams. “It was pretty exciting.”
In addition to touring Montpelier, Harris encouraged sailors taking advancement exams and also met with the crew’s department heads in the officer’s wardroom.
Harris visited Montpelier during his second day of a four-day trip to Norway as part of U.S. 6th Fleet efforts to strengthen maritime partnerships with Norwegian counterparts.