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GW Sailors Sail into Souda Bay

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040212-07

Release Date: 2/12/2004 12:05:00 PM

By Seaman Traleigh Savage, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) was back at sea Feb. 10 following a four-day port visit to Souda Bay, Crete.

GW left its homeport of Norfolk, Va., Jan. 20 for a routine deployment, and the visit to Souda Bay was the first scheduled port visit. From snow-capped mountains and authentic Greek cuisine to just spending some relaxing time with shipmates, GW Sailors had a number of ways they could experience all that Crete had to offer.

For many, Crete was a familiar port, but for others this was their first of many to come. "Crete was gorgeous. Visiting my first foreign port was better than I ever expected," Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Bryanne Heim said. "Getting out and seeing the world is one of the main reasons I joined the Navy, and I couldn't be happier with my experience so far."

The enthusiasm for Crete also runs deep for those who have stopped there before. "This is my fifth time in Crete, and each time, I am more impressed by the hospitality and generosity of the people here," said Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Elanthesus Davis. "The highlight of my liberty is enjoying the homemade cuisine, from gyros to baklava."

For those Sailors not wanting to take the bus ride into the main town of Hania or over to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) provided plenty to do on the pier. There was free food and drink, Internet and phone access, basketball and a variety of music. Along with the activities and food on the pier, GW's MWR team also provided 1,656 Sailors with a variety of tours. From Greek dinners to rock climbing, Sailors had opportunities to experience Crete with 26 tours offered by the ship's MWR office.

Seaman Andrea Berghella, making her first port visit, purchased a tour to the Greek village of Meskla. "It was definitely a day to remember," she said. "It was nice to be able get out and get some fresh air and learn a little about the Greek culture. It gives you a better appreciation of other cultures."

But according to Berghella, getting back to nature and learning about culture weren't the only things that made the tours attractive to Sailors. "Just having the opportunity to enjoy some liberty is exactly what I needed. After the tour, I felt completely relaxed and fulfilled."

While GW Sailors enjoyed some rest and relaxation on shore, Sailors from NSA Souda Bay came over and toured the 97,000-ton aircraft carrier. More than 90 people took advantage of the opportunity to see "The Spirit of Freedom" up close as they toured the ship's hangar bay, flight deck and bridge.

GW shared the port visit with USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), on deployment as a member of the George Washington Strike Group. GW and her embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 7, and the George Washington Strike Group will continue on their deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.