Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), a member of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG), completed a scheduled port visit in Genoa, Italy, June 21.

During the port visit, Mason hosted a ship tour and reception to commemorate and celebrate the historic fueling between Mason and the Italian oiler ITS Etna (A5326) as part of the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus' Great Green Fleet (GGF) initiative.

"Genoa is a beautiful port city, rich in culture and history," said Cmdr. Christopher J. Gilbertson, commanding officer of Mason. "Coupled with the nearby cities of Milan, Florence, and Pisa, the crew enjoyed a very relaxing and rewarding visit."

Mason also held several Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) events, which allowed the crew to integrate with the local Italian people and their culture.

"Mason's visit to Genoa provided a terrific opportunity for the crew to see Italy and experience the wonderful food and culture it has to offer," said Cmdr. Stephen Aldridge, executive officer of Mason. "This was Mason's first foreign port visit since her last deployment, so the crew was quite excited to see new places. Some Sailors even made the trip into France."

The port visit was made more memorable and relaxing as Mason's MWR committee organized guided, scenic and cultural tours in Genoa, Florence, and Milan.

"Our visit to Genoa, Italy, was a wonderful experience," said Yeoman 1st Class Rhonda Jackson, a member of Mason's MWR committee. "We had the chance to taste the local food, try out several different wines and learn about the culture and history. Overall it was a great experience."

Ensign Bonnie Cobarruvias explained what made the visit rewarding was the "history, architecture, culture, and food." She continued to say the locals were "fun to talk to and very engaging."

Mason hosted a reception attended by local Genoan officials and representatives of the alternative energy community in Italy. It demonstrated Mason's active commitment to energy conservation and counterparts in Italy.

"Having the opportunity to engage with key military, intellectual, and civic leaders was unique and key to us supporting the Great Green Fleet initiative," Gilbertson said. "Being the first U.S. ship to refuel with biofuels from our counterparts in the Italian navy and seeing the realization of the accord signed two years ago in Venice was an honor."

Mason and other Ike CSG ships are the centerpiece of the Great Green Fleet initiative, which emphasizes use of energy conservation measures as a key combat enabler to allow ships to go farther, stay longer and deliver more combat capability.

Ike CSG ships consists of aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 staff, the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 staff, guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61) and guided-missile destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), Mason and USS Nitze (DDG 94).

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