Month: November 2022

Source: United States Navy

The port visit comes after Leyte Gulf’s participation in the NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike 22.2 (NEST 22.2) in the Mediterranean Sea. NEST 22.2 demonstrated the combined capacity of the Alliance while underscoring allied and partner nations’ commitments to deterrence and defense of sovereign Alliance territory.

Since 2009, Croatia’s membership in NATO has been instrumental in sustaining regional security and cooperation. Fostering a positive relationship between Croatia and the U.S. has produced positive impacts for both nations militarily, diplomatically, and economically.

“Leyte Gulf is excited to be visiting Croatia, one of our closest NATO allies in the region,” said Capt. Michael Weeldreyer, commanding officer of Leyte Gulf. “The crew is honored to be able to represent the United States in this fashion after the extensive and fulfilling events at sea.”

While in Dubrovnik, Sailors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and culture of Croatia, both privately and on the multiple tours offered by the ship’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) committee.

Defense cooperation between the United States and Croatia in the form of training, equipment, infrastructure construction, and specialized military education remains a cornerstone of the U.S.-Croatia relationship. Recently, Leyte Gulf completed joint exercises with the Croatian missile boat PGG Dubrovnik (RTOP 42) during NEST 22.2.

U.S. Navy ships frequently stop in Croatia for maintenance and mutual security operations. Croatia is a hub for U.S. Navy cooperation in the region, with the port city of Rijeka benefiting economically from over a billion Kuna in contracted services by the U.S. Navy since 2011.

Leyte Gulf, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, is operating as part of the George H.W. Bush (GHWB) Carrier Strike Group (CSG), operating in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operation as part of a scheduled deployment.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is the flagship of CSG-10, GHWB CSG. CSG-10 is comprised of George H.W. Bush, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Information Warfare Commander, and Leyte Gulf.

The ships of DESRON 26 within CSG-10 are USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119).

The squadrons of CVW-7 embarked aboard the George H.W. Bush are the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, the “Nighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Pukin Dogs” of VFA-143, the “Bluetails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron

(VAW) 121, the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

For over 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

Source: United States Navy

This brief stop in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability submarines bring to U.S. and allied forces in the region. The last time a U.S. Navy SSBN conducted a port visit to Gibraltar was USS Alaska (SSBN 732) in June 2021.

“Rhode Island’s port visit to Gibraltar reinforces our ironclad commitment to our allies and partners in the region. The U.S. and U.K. share a strong history of cooperation, through exercises, operations, and cooperation activities such as this, that enhance our combined capabilities and partnership,” said Capt. John Craddock, commander, Task Force 69. “The complexity, lethality, and tactical expertise of Rhode Island epitomizes the effectiveness and strength of the submarine force.”

Prior to her port visit to Gibraltar, Rhode Island visited His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMND) Clyde, Scotland (Faslane) for a scheduled port visit in July 2022.

Rhode Island, homeported in Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga., is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine. These submarines are flexible and survivable, with the ability to patrol continuously as a highly-effective element of the U.S. nuclear deterrence force. Assigned to Submarine Group 10, Rhode Island is one of six ballistic-missile submarines homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia.

Commander, Task Force 69 is responsible for submarine warfare operations in the United States European Command and U.S. African Command areas of responsibility. Specifically, Task Force 69 is composed of attack submarines and guided missile submarines capable of a range of combat and intelligence collection missions.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

Source: United States Navy

Stationed in Pearl Harbor since the ship’s commissioning in December 2021, Daniel Inouye sailed the nearly 200 nautical miles to the Big Island of Hawaii and then to Maui to foster deeper relationships with the people of Hawaii and to volunteer in their local communities.

“Our crew is honored to represent Senator Daniel Inouye and the ‘Heroes of Hawaii’ who served in the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team and fought throughout Europe with fierceness and bravery,” said Lt. Juan Cardona, the ship’s navigator. “Wherever we sail around the world, we represent their heroic contributions which safeguarded our country and way of life. Senator Inouye always made it a point to show he was the senator for all the Hawaiian Islands and visits like these give us a chance to show local people that we are “Hawaii’s ship.”

Upon arrival to the islands, traditional Hawaiian canoes met the ship at sea for a customary greeting. In Kailua-Kona, Danny Akaka Jr., the son of the late Senator Daniel Akaka Sr., and his wife Anna Akaka, arrived to perform a blessing according to Hawaiian protocol on Kailua pier.

During the ship’s visit to Kailua-Kona, Sailors volunteered at the West Hawai’i Veterans Cemetery where they helped clean gravestones and each planted his or her own tree. Prior to the event, Daniel Inouye’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Dave Haile, placed a ceremonial lei at the memorial to veterans wounded in combat.

“Our namesake, Senator Inouye, worked to dutifully remember and honor the veterans who sacrificed for Hawaii and our country,” said Haile. “Today, as we place this lei, we reinvigorate our commitment to remembering those men and women whose sacrifices to defend freedom and democracy around the world allow us to be here today.”

After sailing to Maui, Sailors volunteered at the Maui Economic Opportunity Senior Fair in Lahaina. The fair helps support and strengthen local community organizations on the island.

“Volunteering with the local community ensures we give back to those who support us every day,” said Ensign Alexandra Morris. “Seeing the local art and cultural displays allows us to fully understand what our ship represents and defends every time we go to sea. I’m proud to be on a ship that honors this culture.”

In addition to the volunteering events, the Daniel K. Inouye Institute (DKII) sponsored and helped organize the ship’s visits, including engagements and socials across both islands for the Sailors to meet and interact with the local Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

“DKII preserves the story of an American hero and statesman, perpetuates the enduring legacy of his values for future generations, and supports international education and cultural exchanges,” said Jennifer Sabas, the executive director of DKII. “We are honored to be a part of the visits and are glad to be able to facilitate connections between the Sailors and the islands.”

USS Daniel Inouye is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 23.

Source: United States Navy

“Pulling into Busan and seeing the reception on the pier is a great visual representation of the strength of the U.S./ROK alliance,” said Cmdr. Jeremy Parm, Key West’s commanding officer. “I’m excited the crew gets to experience this country, and for the work they have done on deployment thus far.”

Key West is one of five submarines forward deployed to the island of Guam and has a crew of approximately 140 officers and enlisted. Los Angeles-class submarines make up the majority of the U.S. Navy’s submarine force with 40 still in service.

For many aboard the submarine, this is their first time visiting Busan.

“I joined the Navy to see the world and serve my country,” said Electronics Technician (Navigation) Seaman Olegario Sanchez. “I’m excited to spend some time in Busan and to experience the local culture!”

Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,900 tons when submerged, Key West is one of the stealthiest, most technologically advanced submarines of the world. Los Angeles-class submarines support a multitude of missions to include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance, and strike warfare.

Alliances and partnerships are vital to regional stability. Since its establishment in 1953, the U.S./ROK Alliance has proven strong and durable in the face of new global conditions and is among the most interoperable, capable, and dynamic bilateral alliances in the world.

Key West is the third ship to bear the name of the city of Key West. It was built in Newport News, Virginia, launched July 1985 and commissioned September 1987.

For more information on Key West, please visit https://www.csp.navy.mil/keywest.