Guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), a part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG), concluded a port visit to Souda Bay, Greece, Nov. 22.

The port visit allowed Mason and crew to enjoy the island of Crete just days after passing through the Suez Canal for the sixth time during a scheduled seven-month deployment.

It also allowed the ship to receive valuable parts and supplies while conducting planned maintenance.

"We did a couple of things in Souda Bay to help us finish off the rest of our deployment," commented Master Chief Petty Officer Ronn Shasky of Mansfield, Ohio, command master chief of Mason. "We had some much needed maintenance done on some of our engineering and combat systems just based on us operating every day for the better part of six months. On the other side of that, it was a logical break for the crew to be able to enjoy some well-deserved liberty and see the sights to recharge their batteries for that homeward push."

The services alongside the pier included a liberty center which boasted food, games, and free wireless internet services. It also included a baseball field and tennis courts for the crew to enjoy.

The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) committee aboard Mason also arranged several tours in coordination with Naval Support Activity Souda Bay MWR, to include several local wine tours and a visit to many of the archaeological sites on the strategic island of Crete.

"My wine tour in Crete was fun and informative," remarked Seaman Julie Crowley of Beverly, Massachusetts, assigned as a hospital corpsman aboard Mason. "They showed us the entire process, from the grapes all the way to bottling the wine. It kept us captivated. They offered us a lot of refreshing beverages, and were very generous with the wine tasting and local dinner."

The evening wine tour was offered all three days of liberty, and more than 30 Sailors participated overall.

"Seeing it on TV, then seeing it in person was an eye-opener," said Petty Officer 1st Class Quintin Ellis of Monroe, Louisiana, assigned as a ship's serviceman aboard Mason. "Our tour guide was amazing and the people were very nice. Everything we did with them was a great experience. Seeing all those wine bottles and getting the explanation gave me a greater appreciation for the entire process and the hard work of the locals here."

Ellis went on to explain in his 12-year career, this was his first time going on a MWR tour.

"It was a great time, and it's definitely something I would recommend to everyone who comes here," concluded Crowley.

"The entire crew has worked extremely hard this deployment," said Cmdr. Christopher J. Gilbertson, from Minneapolis, commanding officer of Mason. "We have pushed the ship through such a wide range of operations. Our Sailors certainly deserved the time off, and our equipment needed the attention afforded by a few dedicated days of maintenance."

Mason is deployed to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

Along with Mason, Ike CSG includes CSG 10 staff, aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 staff, squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61), and DESRON 26 guided-missile destroyers USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).

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