Month: March 2023

Source: United States Navy

This port visit to Souda Bay follows Neptune Strike (NEST) 23-1, a vigilance activity focused on increasing NATO interoperability for a stable, secure, and prosperous Europe.

“Our sustained, integrated operations with our allies during deployment has been invaluable to strengthening our relationships and integrated deterrence in the region,” said Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, George H.W. Bush CSG. “We look forward to visiting Souda Bay after a busy at sea period with our NATO allies.”

During NEST, George H.W. Bush completed multicarrier operations with the Italian and Spanish Navies, sailed alongside and completed air-land integration exercises with allies

“Activities like NEST are great opportunities to deepen the interoperability and interchangeability of the alliance and to further vital U.S. military and diplomatic strategy,” said Capt. Dave Pollard, commanding officer, George H.W. Bush. “Showcasing the strength of the alliance to regional adversaries provides opportunities to diplomats to negotiate from a position of strength.”

During their time in Souda Bay, Sailors from the ship will take much deserved time off to experience Greek culture, explore the region, and enjoy local cuisine.

Pollard said that the CVN 77 crew, who collectively embrace the nickname “Team Avenger”, are looking forward to strengthening their partnership with Greece and taking some well-deserved time off.

“As ambassadors of our country, we plan to only continue our outstanding reputation of being respectful guests in the beautiful region around Souda Bay,” said Pollard. “These warriors understand the importance of representing the United States in our allied nations.”

The Sailors of George H. W. Bush will also be a part of a beach clean-up of the Kladisos Beach near the city of Chania. They will have the opportunity to care for the environment while also experiencing the local shore line of Crete.

Strengthening partnerships during the port visit to Souda Bay builds enduring relationships and emphasizes our shared commitment to promoting safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance our interoperability as NATO allies.

CSG-10, George H.W. Bush CSG, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

George H.W. Bush is the flagship of CSG-10, George H.W. Bush CSG. George H.W. Bush CSG is comprised of George H.W. Bush, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Information Warfare Commander, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).

The ships of DESRON-26 within CSG-10 are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers 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 George H.W. Bush are the “Jolly Rogers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, the “Pukin Dogs” of VFA-143, the “Bluetails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86, the “Nighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, and the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

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

“On behalf of RMAF, we are pleased and fortunate to have VP-10 and crew members here to enhance knowledge and experience to conduct maritime domain awareness operations,” said RMAF Lt. Kol Mohamad Zaini Bin Zainorin Tudm. “We are grateful to have this opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise with the U.S. Navy, especially the P-8.”

The P-8A is outfitted with a suite of state-of-the-art mission systems that enable its combat aircrews to conduct anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and surveillance and reconnaissance missions. In addition to the mission systems, the aircraft can be outfitted with Harpoon anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and sonobuoys to accomplish the various mission sets.

“We are honored to have been received by gracious hosts,” said Lt. j.g. Terrence Armengau, VP-10 pilot. “We are grateful to have had the privilege of reciprocating and hosting a wide array of distinguished visitors as honored guests on the P-8A Poseidon throughout the week.”

The “Red Lancers” are based in Jacksonville, Florida, and are currently operating from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The squadron conducts maritime patrol and reconnaissance, as well as theater outreach operations, as part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States Navy

During their time in port, Springfield hosted multiple ship tours for members of the U.S. and ROK navies, and participated in a day of cultural outreach at local Korean Buddhist temples.

“Pulling into Busan in the milestone year of the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. Alliance is a privilege for this hardworking crew,” said Cmdr. Andy Domina, Springfield’s commanding officer. “Springfield is America’s submarine—a group of Sailors dedicated to the mission and proud ambassadors of our country!”

Springfield hosted multiple tours for distinguished visitors during their port visit.

ROK Navy Vice Adm. Kim Myung-soo, commander, Republic of Korea Fleet, toured with members of his staff, learning about the Los Angeles-class platform and capabilities.

Additionally, Rear Adm. Mark Schafer, commander, Naval Forces Korea and his wife toured the submarine, meeting with Sailors and learning more about their work, training and experiences.

ROK Navy sailors from the Type 209-class diesel-electric attack submarine ROKS Lee Jong Moo (SS-066) toured, as well. Based in Chinhae, Lee Jong Moo was the designated host ship for Springfield’s visit. The two crews combined on outings, meetings, and events which furthered interoperability and understanding between the two countries submarine forces.

Springfield coordinated with Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea to plan a day of cultural learning, which included trips to two of Busan’s most notable Buddhist Temples– Temple Tongdosa and Temple Hongbeobsa– where 20 Springfield Sailors learned about Korean culture and history; and ate traditional Korean foods.

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

“I was pretty excited when I heard we would have the opportunity to visit Korea,” said Sonar Technician 3rd Class Nicholas Young. “I joined the Navy to see the world, and port visits like this one make all the work while underway worth it!”

Springfield is one of four 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 backbone of the U.S. Navy’s submarine force. Sixty-two submarines of this class have been completed, 41 are still in active service.

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.

Springfield is the fourth ship in U.S. Navy history to bear the name.

Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,900 tons when submerged, Springfield is one of the stealthiest, most technologically advanced submarines in 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.

For more information on Springfield, please visit https://www.csp.navy.mil/springfield.