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Ike Makes Port Call to Naples

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061023-10
Release Date: 10/23/2006 1:40:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shanika Futrell, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

ABOARD USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) weighed anchor in the Bay of Naples, Italy, Oct. 21, following a successful four-day port visit.

Ike and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) pulled in to Naples Oct. 17 for their first port visit of the deployment. Ike’s crew enjoyed opportunities to tour the surrounding areas, conduct a reception in the ship’s hangar bay, and provide tours for Italian and American citizens in the area.

During the visit, Sailors were able to see historical sites and engage in cultural exchange, experiencing the Italian culture.

“I liked Vatican City a lot; there was so much gold there,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class David Scott. “[Also] the ice cream in Rome was sweeter and creamier than back home in the States. For my first time visiting, it was great.”

Many crew members took advantage of the numerous tours offered by Ike’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office. One-day trips included destinations such as the coastal town of Sorrento, a hiking trip to the top of Mt. Vesuvius and a visit to the ghost town of Pompeii.

“I had fun in Pompeii on the tour. It was interesting to see what life used to be like there,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Yasmeen Bryant.

The day trips also afforded Sailors an opportunity to see firsthand what the Italian lifestyle is like.

“[During my trip to Sorrento] everything I had was good,” said Seaman Brooke McElfish. “It was pleasant; it was breathtaking; it was Italian culture!”

“Going up to Rome was great, especially the Sistine Chapel,” said Damage Controlman 1st Class (SW) De’Damon Howard. “You see these places on television and wish you could go. Once you get there, you realize it’s even better in real life.”

Other Sailors chose to sit back and enjoy the views of the Italian countryside.

“The thing I enjoyed the most was a two-hour bus tour that stopped all over and let us take pictures of the architecture,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman Tyrell Jackson.

In addition to the many liberty prospects in Naples, the port visit provided hundreds of Italian and American citizens in the area a chance to tour the aircraft carrier and attend a reception held in the ship’s hangar bay and hosted by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Adm. Harry Ulrich, enabling the Sailors to share a piece of the U.S. Navy with the Italian community.

During his welcoming remarks at the reception, Rear Adm. Al Myers, commander, Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, expressed gratitude to the citizens of Naples for their hospitality and thanked the Italian community for their enduring friendship.

"As partners, Italy and the United States work closely together with other regional allies to strengthen our efforts to keep the sea free and safe for trade and commerce,” said Myers.

Since entering Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet's area of responsibility in early October, Ike CSG has been planning theater security cooperation engagements and maritime security operations with the militaries of Italy, Cyprus, Bosnia, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro and Romania.

The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG) departed Norfolk, Va., Oct. 3 for a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations (MSO).