Rear Adm. Paul J. Schlise, deputy commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, visited the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), Dec. 27.

Schlise’s visit underscored the 5th Fleet Staff’s support to Mobile Bay while they operated in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, which encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.

“The purpose of the admiral’s visit was to come by and represent the 5th Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Malloy and their continued support to ships under [their] operational control,” said Capt. Robert Bryans Jr., commanding officer, Mobile Bay. “It was to familiarize him and demonstrate to him how Mobile Bay contributes to the combined defense of the Arabian Gulf, and how we are an air-defense asset for the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and 5th fleet area of operations.”

The visit consisted of tours in various departments and spaces throughout the ship. Each stop gave the admiral a chance to interact with Sailors aboard.

“It was an absolute honor to be aboard MoBay and spend some time with the fantastic crew that makes her go,” said Schlise. “Every Sailor I met was beaming with pride in their ship and eager to talk about their job and their accomplishments so far this deployment.  Professionalism and strong leadership are evident everywhere … it was a pleasure to walk the decks among a winning Team.”

“I believe the crew really appreciates the admiral taking time out of his day to come to the Mobile Bay and say thank you for everything they’re doing,” said Bryans. “When a Sailor meets one of the individuals who’s responsible for the operations that the crew’s work impacts, it goes a long way for that Sailor.”

Mobile Bay is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

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