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Whidbey Island, 22nd MEU Visit Rhodes, Greece

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110729-41
7/29/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Desiree D. Green, USS Whidbey Island Public Affairs

RHODES, Greece (NNS) -- Deployed Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) wrapped up a five-day port visit to Rhodes, Greece, July 27.

The ship arrived in Rhodes following an 11-day working port visit in Souda Bay, Crete.

Whidbey Island's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program arranged several tour options for Sailors and Marines to enjoy, including a full-day tour of the island and a trip to one of Europe's largest water parks on the east coast of the island in Faliraki.

"We wanted to give Sailors and Marines an opportunity to see and experience the ancient culture of Rhodes," said Lt. Giancarlo Bertaina, Whidbey Island's "Fun Boss" in charge of MWR activities. "The crew was able to see ancient Greek architecture, as well as medieval architecture infused with Ottoman Turk architecture."

Sailors and Marines visited the site of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World, and the citadel of Rhodes, which is regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.

"There were almost 30 people on my tour," said Hull Technician Fireman Apprentice Grecia Montes-Fernandez, from Caracas, Venezuela. "Souda Bay was a working port so Rhodes was a nice break."

During the tour, the crew was also able to experience historic Old Town and the Acropolis, which translates to "high city," or a city resting on elevated natural grounds.

"The Acropolis was the best part of the island," said Montes-Fernandez. "We had to climb 300 steps to see it. It was a beautiful view, an amazing place. I was going to go the beach, but then we heard about a tour for the entire island. MWR offers the best options when you are in a foreign country."

Others agreed that the all-day tour provided a great opportunity to experience the island's rich history.

"My favorite part of the tour was getting to see Monolithos Castle," said Gunnery Sgt. Patrick McClung, from Stafford, Va., with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). "I would definitely go back again. It was a phenomenal place and I am glad that I got the opportunity to see it."

Whidbey Island is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.