The guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) hosted the commander of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) for a routine visit, Oct. 27.

This marked Rear Adm. James Malloy's first visit to Monterey since taking command of the strike group in September.

While on board, Malloy held an all hands call with the crew, where he discussed the importance of each individual as part of the larger team.

"If you set your standards higher than your boss' standards, you will always work for yourself," said Malloy.

Malloy then went on to discuss his four priorities for the strike group: multi-mission capabilities, safety, investment in ships, and investment in Sailors.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Zachary Ezekiel was motivated by Malloy's visit.

"It is really nice to have face-to-face time with the chain of command," Ezekiel said. "He put things into perspective and made me feel the importance of our work out here."

Following the all hands call, Malloy toured the ship and met with junior Sailors, chiefs and officers.

"He helped me understand our purpose," said Ensign Myles Wortham. "It's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when you are operating in theater for an extended period of time."

Monterey, deployed as part of the Ike CSG, is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Ike CSG is comprised of the staff of CSG-10, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the embarked squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 staff, guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and Monterey, and the guided-missile destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).

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