• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Sailors, Marines Help Strengthen Ties with Greece During Historic Port Visit

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090308-01
Release Date: 3/8/2009 8:29:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian Goodwin, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

SANTORINI, Greece (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and embarked Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26 MEU) helped strenthen ties with Greece during a reception on board the ship while in port Santorini, Greece, March 4.

San Antonio is the first U.S. Navy ship to visit Santorini in 10 years.

Angelos Roussos, mayor of Santorini, expressed his appreciation for San Antonio's Sailors and Marines.

"We are privileged that this city was selected for your visit and that the Sailors and Marines were able to witness the beauty of this country and the culture of our people," said Roussos.

"We extend our appreciation for this event and hope to have more visits from U.S. naval ships in the future."

U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Daniel Speckhard, echoed Roussos' enthusiasm on the relationship between the two countries.

"I am truly grateful for the hospitality that Santorini has shown, for not just the men and women aboard San Antonio, but to all Americans that come to visit," said Speckhard.

"I am proud of the partnership we've had with Greece over the centuries as we've faced many challenges over the years. Thank you to the Sailors and Marines who have served us proudly as the friendship of Greece and America grows stronger every day."

The Sailors and Marines appreciated the port visit following a deployment to the 5th Fleet Area of Operations.

"The town and people of Santorini have extended a warm welcome to San Antonio Sailors and Marines, and for that I am grateful," said Cmdr. Eric Cash, San Antonio's commanding officer.

"For many of us, this is our first visit to Greece, and it will no doubt be remembered for the breathtaking views of the town and its people."

San Antonio is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations (MSO) in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet area of operations. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seeks to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

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