U.S. Ambassador to Greece David D. Pearce attended a reception on board the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) May 15, 2015, in honor of Armed Forces Day.

Several distinguished Greek guests also attended the reception, including Governor of South Aegean Region Georgios Chatzimarkos, Mayor of Rhodes Fotis Chatzidiakos and Member of Parliament for the Dodecanese Region Mano Konsola.

Quote:
"As we celebrate this armed forces day, the first thing we have to do is thank the crew of USS McFaul. You really make us proud,"
- U.S. Ambassador to Greece David D. Pearce.

Quick Facts:
* While aboard, reception attendees toured several spaces throughout the ship, including the bridge, missile deck, and the forecastle. Sailors from various departments were present throughout the tours to give detailed information on their areas of expertise.

* The purpose of the onboard reception was to commemorate Armed Forces Day, while also strengthening the ties between the U.S. and Greece.

* The Armed Forces Day holiday was established to replace separate Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Air Force days. The single holiday now allows citizens to come together and thank military members for their sacrifice in support of their country.

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

* For more information about USS McFaul, visit www.facebook.com/ddg74

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