Senior Naval Leaders Visit NSA Souda Bay

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Kelly M Agee | 190311-N-AZ866-0097 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (March 11, 2019) Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa speaks during an awards ceremony onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, March 11, 2019. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelly M. Agee/Released)  

SOUDA BAY, GREECE

03.14.2019

Story by Joel Diller 

U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay

Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (CNE-A) and commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Italy and Rear Adm. Rick Williamson, commander, U.S. Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, visited Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, March 11, 2019.

The naval leaders, along with U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Fleet Master Chief Raymond Kemp Sr, spoke to Sailors assigned to NSA Souda Bay during an all-hands ceremony in the installation’s gymnasium.

“NSA Souda Bay is a strategic location that supports our NATO allies and U.S. operations in the European and African theaters,” said Foggo. “Your service here is making a difference, and we need you out here on the pointy end of the spear.”

Foggo reflected on the recent operations of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea as he spoke about the importance of the European and African theaters of operations as it pertains to the great power competition that the U.S. is engaged in with Russia and China.

“This has become a very busy theater,” said Foggo. “Souda Bay is extremely important to naval operations throughout two combatant commands.”

Williamson, during his farewell visit to NSA Souda Bay, spoke to Sailors about the importance of accomplishing their mission of supporting the fleet.

“I am proud of Souda Bay,” said Williamson. “Not once have you guys failed and I think that you demonstrate expertise daily.”

Williamson also shared his belief that the Navy can accomplish anything with three key ingredients: manning, training, and equipment.

“I might be working on the training, and I might be able to get you some more equipment,” said Williamson. “But there’s one thing I can tell you about Souda Bay, at least from my three years, I’ve got the people. So keep doing what you’re doing – I am proud of you.”

NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia.

CNE-A continues to work with our allies and partners to support the collective progress of African coastal countries in building their security and law enforcement institutions. CNE-A, headquartered in Naples, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, to enable enduring relationships and increase vigilance and resilience in Europe and Africa.

• Date Taken: 03.14.2019
• Date Posted: 03.21.2019 05:37
• Story ID: 315107
• Location: SOUDA BAY, GR