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USS New York, 26th MEU depart Piraeus, Greece

12 June 2018

From 1st Lt. Sam Stephenson

The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) and embarked Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed Piraeus, Greece, June 10, following a scheduled voyage repair and port visit.
The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) and embarked Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed Piraeus, Greece, June 10, following a scheduled voyage repair and port visit.

During the seven-day stop, New York completed maintenance normally done in its Mayport, Florida, homeport, ensuring the amphibious ship's sustained operational readiness and ability to complete any U.S. 6th Fleet mission tasking.

The approximately 400 Sailors and 700 Marines on New York also enjoyed the opportunity to engage with their hosts as both nations are committed to promoting peace and stability in the region. Focused on strengthening U.S.-Greece partnerships, 20 Marines and Sailors gave back to the local community by helping perform minor preservation and maintenance work on a Muscular Dystrophy Association facility.

As part of New York's regularly-scheduled deployment, the Navy-Marine Corps team provides a forward naval presence in U.S. 6th Fleet that supports maritime security operations, crisis response and theater security cooperation in European, African, and Middle Eastern theaters.

Quote:

"The Sailors and Marines of USS New York thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Piraeus and the surrounding areas. Our crew took advantage of the beautiful landscapes, the rich cultural history, the amazing food and the warm welcome and hospitality shown to us by our Hellenic hosts. Greece is a pillar of stability in the region, and we continue to deepen our defense and security relationships together. The visit has strengthened the bonds between the U.S. and our Greek partners as we work towards mutual goals, increasing peace and prosperity throughout the region."

-Capt. Brent DeVore, commanding officer, New York

"The Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard USS New York enjoyed their time over the last several days exploring the birthplace of democracy. Both Piraeus and Athens were wonderful hosts as we were able to spend our time learning about ancient Greece, enjoying Greek cuisine and reveling in the culture. Visits like these are important to both our unit and the United States as we see Greece as a pillar of stability in the region as we both work towards our mutual goals."

-Lt. Col. Christopher Timothy, executive officer, 26th MEU

Quick Facts:

* New York is on a regularly-scheduled deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. Since arriving in February, its Sailors and Marines have provided a multi-capable amphibious presence that promotes a secure maritime environment and the free flow of legitimate commerce throughout the region.

* Strengthening alliances and partnerships during port visits demonstrates the shared commitment to promote safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance interoperability with Greece.

* New York and the embarked 26th MEU departed Mayport, Florida, Feb. 7, 2018, for its regularly-scheduled deployment as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG).

* New York is part of the Iwo Jima ARG, which embarks the 26th MEU and includes the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), New York, the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), Fleet Surgical Team 4 and 8, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 22, components of Naval Beach Group 2 and the embarked staff of commander, Amphibious Squadron 4.
The 26th MEU is comprised of approximately 2,500 Marines and Sailors and includes a command element, ground combat element, aviation combat element and logistics combat element.

* U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

  
 

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