Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. Phil Davidson visited Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), Dec. 12, while underway in the Atlantic Ocean.

During his visit, Davidson met with leadership from Amphibious Squadron 4 and Iwo Jima, conducting calls in the ship's Wardroom and Chiefs Mess. He also toured Iwo Jima's combat information center and bridge, delivering a message to the crew over the 1MC.

"Congratulations and well done on a very successful Combined Composite Training Unit Exercise. There is a lot that goes into training for deployment, but more important is the training you received on how to plan, prepare and execute the tasks that are to come on your deployment," said Davidson while addressing the crew over the ship's public address system. "Take with you everything you were taught during your training cycle and continue all the positive habits you built because of that training as they will be critically important for your team throughout deployment."

Davidson also thanked the crew for their efforts and emphasized the importance of what they do on a daily basis.

"Whether you do this job for four years or you do it for 34 years, getting up every day, putting on this uniform, coming to work and doing what it takes makes this Navy great," said Davidson. "When a potential adversary looks out on the horizon and sees a United States Navy ship and the readiness of the people who manage it, they think to themselves, 'Today is not our day.' Every time that happens, we're winning."

Iwo Jima, components of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit recently completed a Combined Composite Training Unit Exercise. Iwo Jima is underway preparing for its scheduled deployment early next year.

The Iwo Jima ARG embarks the 26th MEU and is comprised of Iwo Jima, the transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), the dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), Fleet Surgical Team 8, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, Tactical Air Control Squadron 22, components of Naval Beach Group 2, and the embarked staff of Amphibious Squadron 4.

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