Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Adm. James G. Foggo III returned to Naval Station Rota for a second time in his current role to visit the Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF) in Europe.

Foggo had the opportunity to speak with the Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Porter (DDG 78) and USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) now that they have returned from patrol.

He discussed topics including the comprehensive review, the collisions of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), along with the importance of an FDNF Sailors' role in warfighting.

"One of the things that I wanted to talk about were some of the lessons learned from the Comprehensive Review that came from [U.S.] Fleet Forces Command," said Foggo. "It's a document that tells you that although we've got great Sailors and great ships; some folks recently made some serious mistakes. We can't forget the loss of lives that occurred on Fitzgerald and McCain. We cannot make those mistakes again. We must operate these ships safely and securely in a war-fighting environment that's pretty darn unforgiving."

Foggo commended the FDNF Sailors on their training and professionalism in executing their mission, and highlighted the Syrian missile strike operations ordered in April 2017.

"I'm extremely proud of the professionalism in carrying out the directions from the President of the United States," said Foggo. "It was almost immediate upon order that those missiles flew successfully off those two war ships on their targets in Syria and sent a very strong message. I think that's because we're doing a good job with training. It's because of those Sailors and their ability to be ready that we were able to do that. They're keeping up with their training syllabus and certifications and I believe that they're ready for another contingency operation if called upon."

Foggo expressed his pride for the FDNF-Europe Sailors of Naval Station Rota and praised them for the hard work they perform each day.

"I'm really proud of you," said Foggo. "You're doing a tough job here on the pointy end of the spear. You're four months out, four months in, and while you're in you are busy taking care of the ship, doing maintenance, training and getting certifications. I think this is a great opportunity to be here in Europe where all the action is and so far I've been nothing short of amazed of the kinds of things that these young people are able to do on a day-to-day and month-to-month basis throughout the theatre. I look forward to a very exciting 2018 with these young men and women."


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