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6th Fleet Commander Hosts Reception

Story Number: NNS130701-07Release Date: 7/1/2013 12:05:00 PM
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From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

GAETA, Italy (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. 6th Fleet hosted a reception for local dignitaries aboard USS Samuel B. Roberts during a port visit to Gaeta, June 30.

During the reception aboard USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58), Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe thanked Gaeta Mayor Cosmo Mitrano and the local community, recalling their longstanding support for the U.S. Navy and their hospitality to Sailors.

Gaeta is the homeport of the 6th Fleet flagship, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), currently on deployment to the Baltic Sea.

"The 6th Fleet arrived in Gaeta in 1967," Pandolfe said, delivering his remarks in Italian. "Since then, this beautiful port has greeted 29 6th Fleet Commanders, nine different flagships, and 27 flagship captains. All of them, and thousands of Sailors and their families, know and love this most beautiful city."

"Thank you for the kindness presented to our Sailors and their families during those many years. We consider it a great privilege to be welcome in your home," Pandolfe said.

Cmdr. Robert R. Williams, USS Samuel B. Roberts' commanding officer, also expressed his appreciation to Gaeta community members for their welcoming spirit to the crew while the ship is on deployment.

"Thank you to the members of the Gaeta community who have already given my crew and me such a warm welcome," Williams said.

Since deploying from its homeport of Mayport, Fla., April 23, guided-missile frigate has traveled more than 12,000 miles, conducting maritime security patrols in the Mediterranean Sea. While it is the ship's first port visit to Gaeta, the Italian city has hosted many Sailors and boasts a long history with the U.S. Navy.
U.S. 6th Fleet headquarters is located in Naples, Italy. It conducts a full range of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in concert with coalition, joint, interagency and other parties to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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

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