Rear Adm. Bruce Lindsey, Commander Strike Group (CSG) 10, visits USS Mason (DDG 87) with embarked Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 Swamp Foxes and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 during group sail Nov. 7.

Lindsey met with Cmdr. Chris Gilbertson, Mason's commanding officer, Capt. Brian Fort, DESRON-26 commodore, before addressing the Sailors at an Admiral's call.

Lindsey spoke about the important support Sailors and their families give to our nation, current Navy issues and took questions from all hands.

While aboard Mason, Lindsey reenlisted a Sailor, advanced a Sailor to Petty Officer Third Class, presented the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal to an HSM-74 Sailor and pinned warfare devices on five sailors who recently earned Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) qualification.

"In my opinion there is nothing more gratifying than receiving an award from an admiral. I was overjoyed when I was told someone of such a high rank would be pinning me," said Culinary Specialist Second Class India Schula. "Today was one for the books, and I will remember this for the rest of my life."

In addition to the all hands call and award ceremony, Lindsey toured Mason including Combat Information Center and Sonar Control Room. He then led three U.S. warships during a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with three Chinese Navy ships off the coast of Florida, the first ever exercise conducted between PLA Navy and U.S. Navy warships in the Atlantic Ocean.

"Both sides executed visual signaling, ship maneuvering and division tactics, joint helicopter operations, search and rescue and first aid drills in a truly professional manner," said Gilbertson. "Each side demonstrated the ability to clearly communicate maneuvering intentions and safely operate these impressive warships in a combined exercise."

Mason departed its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia, in late October to participate in the first ever Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP) group sail employing a split group sail concept as a proof of principle for future carrier strike groups to increase force readiness and generation.

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