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Normandy Hosts US Ambassador to Greece, Governor of South Aegean

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS180529-24
Release Date: 5/29/2018 3:21:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Stephen Oleksiak, Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

SANTORINI CALDERA, Greece (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) hosted the U.S. Ambassador to Greece and governor of the South Aegean Region during a reception held aboard, May 24.

During the reception, His Excellency Geoffrey Pyatt, his wife Mary and Mr. Georgios Chatzimarkos, governor of the South Aegean Region, along with other honored guests, visited with Normandy's crew and leadership on the flight deck, before receiving a tour of the mighty warship.

Capt. Chris Stone, Normandy's commanding officer, thanked the ambassador and guests for their continued support of Normandy's crew and their mission.

"It was a tremendous pleasure to have [all of our guests] onboard to celebrate with us this evening," said Stone. "With the beautiful backdrop of the lovely town of Santorini, we couldn't be more thrilled to be here."

Mr. Pyatt commented on and thanked the crew for their hospitality. He also remarked upon the great support and cooperation that the alliance between Greece and U.S. has seen across the South Aegean region.

"We also talk about the importance of this alliance and the capabilities and capacities that our Greek allies bring to bear," said Pyatt. "So, aside from offering [the crew] the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful island for a couple of days, I'm grateful to the visit because of what it does to reinforce our confidence in our alliance with Greece and the importance that the United States places on Greece as a pillar of stability in a very complicated region."

Mr. Chatzimarkos noted that Normandy's presence in Santorini sends a very clear message, one that showcases prosperity goes together with safety and security.

"The world is changing and I believe that the future belongs to those who can work together," said Chatzimarkos. "We're working together to build a very strong alliance and I'm absolutely positive that whatever is happening in this region or in this year, it's going to change the whole image of the region in the years ahead."

Normandy is currently deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. With USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as the flagship, deployed strike group units include staffs, ships and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group Eight (CSG 8), Destroyer Squadron Two Eight (DESRON 28) and Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1); as well as Sachsen-class German Frigate FGS Hessen (F221).