The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and embarked Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Souda Bay, Greece, for a scheduled port visit May 1.

During the port visit, the Mesa Verde is scheduled to conduct a change of command and engage in a community relations project with Naval Support Activity Souda Bay. The Sailors and Marines aboard Mesa Verde will also have an opportunity to visit local sites and learn about the local culture through tours organized by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation program.

Quote:

"The officers and crew of USS Mesa Verde are privileged to be able to enjoy the Greek culture of Crete and appreciate the support of the Greek Navy during our visit. Rarely does the beauty of a country or place meet or exceed our imagining of it from books or history lessons, yet universally the crew has commented how the beauty of Crete has done exactly that. Mesa Verde is also fortunate to represent the U.S. 6th Fleet in building partnerships with our NATO partners and looks forward to continuing to deepen these relationships."

Capt. Randy Peck
USS Mesa Verde commanding officer

Quick Facts:

Mesa Verde is designed to transport Marine assault forces ashore by embarked landing craft, air cushion, landing craft utility, expeditionary fighting vehicles, or by embarked squadrons.

The Mesa Verde is part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 8, the 24th MEU, the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), Mesa Verde and the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). Also embarked on the Bataan ARG are Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, Fleet Surgical Team 6, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, Assault Craft Unit 4, and Beachmaster Unit 2.

The 24th MEU consists of more than 2,200 Marines, including a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), and Combat Logistics Battalion 24 and the MEU command element.

While in theater, more than 4,000 Sailors and Marines of the ARG and MEU will train to share information, experience and work together for regional stability.

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. This forward presence contributes to freedom of navigation and lawful use of the sea, as well as furthers operational training and enables an exchange of culture, skills, and tactical knowledge.

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

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