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Mesa Verde Sailors Enjoy Liberty in Greece

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110617-17
6/17/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Josue L. Escobosa, USS Bataan Public Affairs

SOUDA BAY, Greece (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines from USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) took advantage of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sponsored tours during their port visit to Souda Bay, Greece, June 6-14.

More than 200 service members participated in the eight tours offered.

"I had a great time on my tour," said Electronics Technician 3rd Class (SW) Almonte Miller, who participated in the winery tour. "I got to see parts of the island I never would have seen if I had just gone out on liberty. I got to see beautiful scenery, enjoy great local food and sample local wine. I love what MWR does for us."

The tours averaged eight hours in length and covered several different facets of Souda Bay. The winery trip included a visit to the historical parts of town and a castle and prison dating from colonial Roman times.

Service members also took advantage of the chance to experience the pink beaches of Elafonissi Island or take a hike through the Samaria Gorge.

"It's good to give our Sailors and Marines a chance to get out, stay out of trouble and enjoy parts of the island they wouldn't normally see," said Chief Logistics Specialist (SW/AW) Heston Wong, the ship's fun boss. "People pay thousands of dollars to see these places and our Sailors and Marines get to take advantage of these things for a relatively low price. It's great that so many people came out and enjoyed the beauty of Greece."

Tour prices were subsidized by MWR, with participants who chose to take a second tour receiving a 50 percent discount.

"The prices weren't too bad to begin with, but with the discount it definitely made taking a second tour a much easier decision to make," said Yeoman Seaman Isaiah Taylor. "I probably would have only done one of them at full price, but I'm really glad I took advantage of the tours because I had a great time out on liberty and saw how beautiful Greece is."

"I would definitely go on more tours," said Miller. "It was worth the time and the money for sure. I just hope we always have great tours like we did here in Greece."