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COMNUSNAVEUR Visits USS Austin

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060419-15
4/19/2006

By Lt. j.g. Jennifer Stephens, USS Austin Public Affairs

USS AUSTIN, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, Adm. Henry G. "Harry" Ulrich II, visited with Sailors from USS Austin (LPD 4) April 9 as the ship transited the Mediterranean Sea.

Upon his arrival, Ulrich addressed the ship's chief petty officers in the chief petty officer mess. He welcomed Austin to the U.S. 6th Fleet, talked about the importance of the chief’s leadership role with their junior Sailors and thanked the crew for a job well done on deployment.

“The best way to show our appreciation for what you all are doing is to get you a couple of great port visits during your time in 6th Fleet,” said Ulrich.

Ulrich then took a tour of Austin and visited with the Sailors and Marines. His tour route included the bridge, meeting the ship's visit, board, search and seizure team, speaking with U.S. naturalization candidates on the foc'sle and Marines in their amphibious assault vehicles, and making a stop down in the main machinery room. Ulrich was particularly impressed with the diversity of the Naturalization candidates, who are from a wide array of countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, Russia and El Salvador.

“It was an honor and privilege to have Adm. Ulrich come aboard and personally welcome us to the Med,” stated Cmdr. Kevin Flanagan, Austin’s commanding officer. “Our Sailors and Marines are looking forward to some well earned liberty while representing our nation as ambassadors of the Marine Corps, Navy and [Expeditionary Strike Group 8].”

During the tour, Ulrich presented plaques to the Sailor of the Quarter, Junior Sailor of the Quarter and the Bluejacket of the Quarter, along with pinning nine Sailors who recently received their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist designation.

“It was quite a privilege to be presented with my Sailor of the Quarter plaque by a four-star admiral,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class (SW/AW) Erwin Hunter, Austin’s sailor of the quarter.

Austin left Norfolk, Va., in early November as part of Expeditionary Strike Group 8 to support maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Austin will report to Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet while transiting across the Mediterranean Sea en route to a Norfolk homecoming later this spring.