USS San Jacinto Departs Piraeus, Greece

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS161221-02
Release Date: 12/21/2016 8:15:00 AM

By By Lt. j.g. Katrina Jorsch, USS San Jacinto (CG 56) Public Affairs

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) departed Piraeus, Greece, Dec. 17, after a scheduled port visit to enhance U.S.-Greece relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure and prosperous Europe.

The ship's presence in the Mediterranean is a demonstration of the U.S. Navy's continued commitments to NATO and the collective security of the European region.

Capt. Dennis Velez, commanding officer of San Jacinto, hosted a luncheon with local dignitaries and Greek officials in an effort to strengthen partnerships and demonstrate the shared commitment to promoting safety and stability within the region.

"This was a much needed and deserved port visit that provided the crew a great opportunity," Velez said. "It was a great chance to meet with a number of Greek dignitaries and military officials to exchange sea stories and experiences and seek opportunities to enhance the interoperability of our two countries."

The crew had the chance to participate in tours of the area including visits to the Acropolis and Temple of Poseidon. They were able to experience the country and learn about another culture. It was an opportunity to further boost relations between the two countries and take in the sites of the country.

San Jacinto deployed as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG), June 1. Ike CSG consists of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 staff, the staff and squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 staff, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), guided-missile cruisers San Jacinto and USS Monterey (CG 61), and guided-missile destroyers USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).

San Jacinto, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of our allies and partners and U.S. national security interests in Europe.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of join and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interested an security and stability in Europe and Africa.