Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) departed Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Jan. 3 after a scheduled port visit to enhance U.S.-Spain relationships as the two nations work together for a stable, secure, and prosperous Europe.

During the port call, the command leadership met with the Spanish Central Government representative for the Baleric Islands, Delegada Maria Salom, and Lt. Cmdr. Jose Maria Marquez Montero, a representative of the Spanish navy. Capt. Chris DeGregory, commanding officer of Monterey, was thankful for the opportunity to meet with the Spanish officials.

"It is great to be in Palma; meetings like this strengthen the bonds between the U.S. and our NATO allies," said DeGregory. "We share the same interests of maintaining safety and security of the world's oceans and sea lanes."

The Sailors of Monterey had the opportunity to visit historic sites, such as Catedral de Santa Maria. Ensign Christian Kurowski was very impressed by the hospitality and culture of Palma.

"This was my favorite port call of this deployment," said Kurowski. "The city of Palma was very accommodating, and the people were very welcoming. I was very impressed by the beautiful historic architecture. It is very humbling to step inside a building that is older than my country."

Monterey, deployed as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

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

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