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USS Wasp Completes Successful Port Visit to Souda Bay

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS161101-21
Release Date: 11/1/2016 2:12:00 PM

By Lt. j.g. Michael Torres, USS Wasp (LHD 1) Public Affairs

SOUDA BAY, Greece (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) departed Souda Bay, Greece, Nov. 1.

Wasp was in Souda Bay for an eight-day port visit to complete her mid-deployment voyage repair (MDVR).

Quotes:

"Souda Bay is a very important strategic port for both the U.S. and all NATO navies. Being able to pull into such a great facility in the Mediterranean to refit and refuel can't be understated. It is also good to be able to take a bit of time to enjoy the island. Crete has had a long and glorious history, and visiting here is a unique opportunity for our Sailors and Marines." - Commander, Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, Capt. F. Byron Ogden

"We love Souda Bay. I've had the pleasure of coming here many times, but for a lot of our Sailors and Marines this was their first port visit. Given the history and beauty of Crete, it is a very enriching experience for them." - Senior Enlisted Leader, Amphibious Squadron 6, Master Chief Petty Officer Craig Harris

"We were able to get a lot of maintenance done due to the tremendous facilities and resources here. Everyone who was on duty over the course of this port visit worked hard to make sure that this ship is in peak condition prior to pulling out. Wasp is ready for the remainder of her deployment." - Wasp Chief Engineer, Lt. Cmdr. Joe Towles

"Sometimes our actions are small in nature, but they can have lasting effects on the global community level. From cleaning a local beach to providing yard work to a Boys Care Center, it all matters in the end, and every opportunity we have to support our global community we should." - Chaplains Department Leading Chief Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer Jason Boykin

Quick Facts:

This port call's primary focus was a MDVR to ensure the ship is in fully operational condition for the remainder of her deployment.

Wasp was able to host several distinguished visitors as well as some local media. The media was welcomed aboard to speak to Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) leadership about their support of Operation Odyssey Lighting.

The visit gave Sailors and Marines the opportunity to experience the culture and cuisine of Crete, as well as to volunteer for community relations (COMREL) events. The COMRELS included a community beach cleanup at Marathi Beach and yard work at the Boys Daily Care Center of Chania.

Prior to pulling into Souda Bay, Wasp had spent 121 days at sea, interrupted only by a brief stop for fuel in Rota, Spain.

Wasp is deployed as part of the Wasp ARG to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. Commander, Amphibious Squadron 6 commands the Wasp ARG, which consists of Wasp, amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), and amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17). The 22nd MEU is currently embarked on the Wasp ARG.