Mesa Verde Visits Souda Bay, Greece

GREECE

05.01.2017

Courtesy Story

USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19)

Souda Bay, Greece - The amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and embarked Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Souda Bay, Greece for a scheduled port visit May 1st.

During the port visit the Mesa Verde is scheduled to conduct Change of Command and engage in a community relations project with Naval Station Souda Bay. The Sailors and Marines onboard Mesa Verde will also have an opportunity to visit local sites and learn about the local culture organized by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation program.

Quote:

"The Officers and crew of USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) are privileged to be able to enjoy the Greek culture of Crete and appreciate the support of the Greek Navy during our visit. Rarely does the beauty of a country or place meet or exceed our imagining of it from books or history lessons, yet universally the crew has commented how the beauty of Crete has done exactly that. Mesa Verde is also fortunate to represent the Sixth Fleet in building partnerships with our NATO partners and looks forward to continuing to deepen these relationships."

USS Mesa Verde Commanding Officer, Capt. Randy Peck.

Quick Facts:

USS Mesa Verde is designed to transport Marine assault forces ashore by embarked air cushion landing craft, landing craft utility, expeditionary fighting vehicles, or by embarked squadrons.

The Mesa Verde is part of the Bataan ARG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). Also embarked on the Bataan ARG are Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, Fleet Surgical Team 6, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, Assault Craft Unit 4, and Beachmaster Unit 2.

The 24th MEU consists of more than 2,200 Marines, including a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), and Combat Logistics Battalion 24 and the MEU command element.

While in theater, more than 4,000 Sailors and Marines of the ARG and MEU will train to share information, experiences, and work together for regional stability.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. This forward presence contributes to freedom of navigation and lawful use of the sea, as well as furthers operational training and enables an exchange of culture, skills, and tactical knowledge.


For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/

• Date Taken: 05.01.2017
• Date Posted: 05.03.2017 00:33
• Story ID: 232362
• Location: GR