The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) arrived in Valencia, Spain, for a scheduled port visit June 28.

The port visit also serves to enhance U.S. - Spain relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure and prosperous Europe.

Quote:
"As we prepare to pull in to Valencia, I want to thank each and every Sailor and Marine for their hard work throughout this arduous deployment. They completed every task, exercise, and mission, and surpassed every expectation with their heads held up high. Sailors and Marines will use this time to relax, enjoy the sites, taste the local food, and experience the customs and culture that have made Valencia a dynamic city and tourist attraction in the Mediterranean." - Capt. Dana R. Gordon, commanding officer, USS Iwo Jima

Quick Facts:

- This is the first port visit for the Sailors and Marines after re-entering U. S. 6th Fleet area of operations and marks the beginning of the ship's homeward journey after spending more than six months at sea.

- Sailors and Marines are scheduled to participate in a community relations (COMREL) event where they will be working with the Project BIOagradables Voluntarios organization to clean up a local beach.

- USS Iwo Jima is the flagship for the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group/24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

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