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Carter Hall Makes Port Call in Greece

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080923-08
Release Date: 9/23/2008 5:46:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

RHODES, Greece (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) had the opportunity to explore a new culture during a port visit in Rhodes, Greece, Sept. 18-22.

Carter Hall's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department organized a tour of the island for crew members.

"The tours offered by MWR give Sailors and Marines the chance to really see what the country has to offer," said Lt.j.g. Arlene DeCindio, a Carter Hall MWR representative. "People can see the highlights of the country and have a good time without spending a lot of money."

Store Keeper 2nd Class (SW) Danielle Leal, a tour participant, credits the sightseeing experience to MWR, which she said is one of the best programs implemented in the Navy.

"It gives Sailors and Marines the opportunity to experience something creative, interesting and fun as well as improves the morale in any command."

One of the first stops was the site of Kamiros, one of three original cities of the island, where crew members viewed ancient ruins and picturesque views of the nearby hills and mountains. Some of the other sights included the village of Embona, where crew members ate authentic Greek food, followed by a trip to a winery at Emery. Lastly, the tour bus crossed the island to visit Lindos, a historic village preserved to retain its traditional color and charm.

Mariana Kalhoun, a tour guide from a local travel agency, believes exploring Rhodes lets people experience many different elements of Greek culture.

"European culture is based on Roman culture, which was derived from Greece," Kalhoun said. "I think it's important for people to have a real solid basis to know how their modern civilization came about."

Leal said it was rewarding to experience a country with such a rich culture and time-honored traditions.

"I can honestly say that Rhodes was one of my favorite port visits since I've been in the Navy," Leal said. "I strongly recommend touring the island to anyone wanting to enjoy such a fascinating and beautiful place."

This was Carter Hall's second port visit during the ship's deployment as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) to the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet area of responsibilities in support of maritime security operations. The Iwo Jima ESG consists of Carter Hall; the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); all homeported at Norfolk, Va.; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.

For more news from Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/iwoesg/.