Tag: Souda Bay

Starship Enterprise completes year-long NATO mission

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One year to the day that they raised the NATO flag, the crew of HMS Enterprise lowered it – their mission as a Mediterranean flagship complete. On a sizzling day in Souda Bay, Crete, the survey ship’s task leading a force of international minehunters formally ended as Britain handed over responsibility for the group – which roams from the Pillars of Hercules to eastern shore of the Black Sea – to the German Navy. Temperatures reached 35˚C on the forecastle of the Devonport-based ship as NATO’s Maritime Commander Vice Admiral…

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USS San Diego Departs Souda Bay

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USS San Diego (LPD 22) departed Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, Nov. 30 after a scheduled port visit. During San Diego’s five-day port visit, the crew hosted commander, United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Marine Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, who held an all-hands call to thank the crew for the role they played in advancing the national objectives while in the region. “I want to thank San Diego for how you guys separated from the [America Amphibious Ready Group] and everything that you’ve done in support of AFRICOM over the…

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USS San Diego Arrives In Souda Bay

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USS San Diego (LPD 22) and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Souda Bay, Greece, for a scheduled port visit, Nov. 27. This is San Diego’s second port visit in Souda Bay during this deployment. While in port, the crew will conduct routine repairs and cosmetic work on the ship, and have the opportunity to venture to the local sites. “We’ve been on station in the Mediterranean for about three months,” said Capt. Pete Collins, commanding officer of San Diego. “Not only is this our chance to get…

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U.S. Navy Transfers RHIBs to Hellenic Navy

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U.S. Navy and Hellenic Navy personnel gathered at Marathi NATO piers to commemorate the transfer of four ridged-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB) to the Hellenic Navy based on an Excess Defense Articles (EDA) grant, Oct. 31.  Section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) of 1961 authorizes the Department of Defense to transfer EDA to foreign governments. Under the FAA, military departments determine what is or is not excess. RHIBs are typically used for modernization of partner forces, and are transferred at a reduced price based on the condition of the…

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HMS Ocean takes up role as SNMG2 Flagship

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On Sunday the 29th of October, HMS Ocean assumed the SNMG2 Flagship role from HMS Diamond, whilst alongside in Souda Bay, Crete. HMS Ocean had been expecting to take up the SNMG2 Flagship role in September, but was re-tasked to enable her participation in Operation Ruman; the UK Department for International Development (DfID) led humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation in the Caribbean. Over the coming months SNMG2 will participate in a number of multi-national exercises to develop greater interoperability between the naval forces of NATO members. HMS Ocean is…

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USS San Diego Departs Souda Bay After Successful MDVR

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USS San Diego (LPD 22) departed Souda Bay, Greece, after a scheduled port visit for San Diego’s mid-deployment voyage repair maintenance visit Oct. 21, 2017. San Diego’s port visit allowed the crew and contractors to conduct vital repairs, maintenance and ensure the ship remained in operational condition for its deployment. “We had contractors come out to our ship to help us understand the technical side of some of the maintenance we needed to get done,” said Engineman 2nd Class Tyler Foster, assigned to San Diego’s engineering department. San Diego also…

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USS San Diego Arrives In Souda Bay

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USS San Diego (LPD 22) and embarked Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Souda Bay, Greece, on Oct. 15, for a scheduled port visit.  The visit is part of San Diego’s planned mid-deployment voyage repair maintenance stop, and serves as an opportunity for the ship’s embarked Sailors and Marines to experience Souda Bay.  “We have been underway for a while,” said Capt. Pete Collins, commanding officer of San Diego. “Pulling in is a great way to relieve some stress and fatigue that some Sailors might be…

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