Marines and Sailors from the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEUSOC) arrived in Souda Bay, Greece for a scheduled port visit, Feb. 11, 2024.
This marks Carter Hall’s second visit to the port during its deployment to the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). Apart from the routine maintenance, refueling and restocking of critical supplies for the ship, this port visit re-enables the Sailors and Marines aboard Carter Hall to experience the unique culture that Souda Bay has to offer.
“The Sixth Fleet area of operations contains a myriad of countries that are home to countless historic sites, rich cultures and populations, but also, some very important relationships,” said Cmdr. Brad Fancher, commanding officer of Carter Hall. “This port visit to Souda Bay falls in line with the Navy’s long-lived tradition of providing our embarked Sailors and Marines some hard-earned rest while furthermore bestowing upon us the opportunity to foster and advance our relationships with our Allies and Partners in the region.”
The trans-Atlantic strategic relationship between the U.S. and Greece has been forged over the past decades, and it is built on a foundation of shared values, experiences and vision.
“I stepped onboard this ship fully expecting to only see the same two ports between several months at sea,” said Lance Cpl. Zachary Livesay, an anti-tank missile gunner assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “Having the opportunity to sample some of the tastiest foods in interesting places like Souda Bay, alongside my brothers and sisters in arms, makes me so grateful to have been proven wrong.