Month: May 2024

Source: United States Navy

The port visit to Souda Bay followed IKECSG’s presence in U.S. 5th Fleet, operating in support of freedom of navigation through Operation Prosperity Guardian and self-defensive strikes into Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

“We are incredibly grateful to Greece for hosting us during our very first port visit of the deployment,” said Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander, CSG-2, IKECSG. “The Sailors of Carrier Strike Group Two have worked tirelessly for six months straight to keep us operating on station in the most challenging, dynamic combat environment the Navy has seen in decades. This port visit is well-deserved.”

This port visit was the IKE’s first stop since deploying to the U.S. Naval Forces Central (NAVCENT) and U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR) areas of operations. IKECSG units departed their homeports of Norfolk, Virginia, and Mayport, Florida, on Oct. 13 & 14 for a scheduled deployment.

During their time in Souda Bay, Sailors from the ships experienced Greek culture, explored the region, enjoyed local cuisine, and volunteered in the community to build regional relations.

“We are here to support our forward-deployed forces with everything from resupply and physical security, to a much-needed port call for our shipmates that have been out to sea and in harm’s way,” said Cmdr. James Kotora, executive officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay. “For the Mighty Ike, with their extension at sea, we want to make sure their time here in Souda Bay is relaxing and rejuvenating.”

The IKECSG is operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations to deepen strategic relationships with allies and partners, and to support maritime security and stability.

The strike group is commanded by CSG-2 and comprised of flagship Dwight D. Eisenhower, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 with its nine squadrons, USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22, with Gravely and the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87).

Squadrons of CVW-3 include the “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, the “Fighting Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, the “Rampagers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, the “Wildcats” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, the “Screwtops” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, the “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7, the “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-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

U.S. Second Fleet

30 Sailors and Marines were injured. Five Sailors were medically evacuated for further care at Savannah Memorial University Medical Center. Four of the five Sailors have been released from the hospital after treatment. One Sailor remains under medical care and is being assessed for further treatment.

Sailors and Marines with minor injuries were treated aboard Wasp and New York.

Sailors and Marines assigned to the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) were conducting a training exercise when the incident occurred.

The recovery and investigation processes are ongoing, and more information will be provided by U.S. 2nd Fleet once available. For any inquiries, contact c2f_pao@us.navy.mil.

Source: United States Navy

Over three busy and productive days, conference attendees discussed a wide array of challenges and opportunities in the maritime domain. They found common ground to increase collaboration and mutual understanding in order to tackle maritime threats not only in the Gulf of Guinea, but throughout the African continent.

The combined event kicked off with an opening ceremony involving Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and leaders of the three host commands, Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Ghana Navy, Adm. Stuart Munsch, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF), and Maj. Gen. Robert Sofge, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa (MARFORAF). At the opening ceremony, speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration in a dynamic geopolitical environment, while underscoring the criticality of African nations continuing to work together to ensure maritime security.

This spirit of African-led prosperity and long-term stability drove discussions and presentations throughout the conference. Specific panels for the combined event included Strategies for Cooperation and Models for Combined Operations, The Spectrum of Maritime Action: At Sea and In the Littorals, Assessing Maritime Security Interventions, and Countering and Prosecuting Illicit Maritime Activity (From Piracy to IUUF), with representatives from dozens of nations providing their insight, expertise, and recommendations for areas of future growth and development.

These panels, and the myriad of bilateral and multilateral discussions on the sidelines of the combined event, emphasize the importance of bilateral and multilateral relations in the region. Co-hosts of AMFS/NILS-A 2024, Ghana and the United States continue to strengthen and evolve their maritime cooperation, as evidenced by Ghana hosting USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) for two port visits to Tema, Hershel “Woody” Williams’ participation in the Ghanaian exercise Sea Lion, and Ghana’s vital role in the upcoming NAVAF-facilitated exercise Obangame Express 2024, which follows closely behind AMFS/NILS-A.

The 41 nations who participated in the combined AMFS/NILS-A event included Angola, Benin, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Canada, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Italy, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Republic of Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Spain, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, United Kingdom, United States.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-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.

For more information on AMFS/NILS-A, please visit https://www.c6f.navy.mil/, https://www.marforeur.marines.mil/Unit-Home/AMFS-NILSA/, https://navyonline.mil.gh/, or https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/AMFSNILSA2024.

Source: United States Navy

SOUDA BAY, Greece — Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Europe Africa Central (EURAFCENT) service members and personnel held a memorial service for Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14 at The Anchor on May 2, 2024.

Source: United States Navy

Around 10:00am, the bridge team of USS Stout overheard a bridge-to-bridge radio transmission from a cargo vessel off the coast of North Carolina hailing the Coast Guard for medical assistance for a civilian onboard who suffered an injury. Ready to answer the call, Stout quickly responded, setting a course to the vessel in distress while simultaneously preparing a small boat team with medical personnel to render aid upon arrival. As Stout approached the vessel, they found the cargo vessel Grande Portogallo, on its way to Mexico, and a member of the crew had sustained injuries from a hot fuel oil spill and was in need of medical attention.

A crew of five Sailors from Stout deployed on a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) and embarked the Grande Portogallo to provide medical care to the injured crewmember. The Stout bridge team maintained communication with the vessel as well as U.S. Coast Guard Sector North Carolina throughout the incident. After determining the crewmember required medical evacuation, USCG deployed a helicopter for assistance. Stout personnel remained on scene until USCG arrived and took over patient care, evacuating the patient to shore via helicopter for further medical treatment and evaluation. Stout’s small boat crew then headed back to the ship before continuing with CSG-8 Group Sail operations. 

“The crew performed well as professionals, quickly transitioning from tactical training to real-life humanitarian assistance,” said Cmdr. Desmond Walker, commanding officer of USS Stout. “The coordination between our combat information center, bridge, small boat team and the U.S. Coast Guard ensured the fastest response possible, given the type of emergency,” he added.

While a main mission of the Navy is maintaining free and open seas, helping those in distress is just as important. U.S. Navy assets will never turn away from a call for help. USS Stout responded to this call for help quickly, effectively, and professionally, highlighting part of the ship’s motto, “Fast and Ready.”