Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) concluded its stay in Gaeta, Italy, June 17, after a five-day port visit to the city.
Sailors used the port visit as a chance to enjoy some free time and to experience the local food, culture and history in Gaeta and Rome .
Barry’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team provided a shuttle bus from Gaeta to Naples, which gave crew members the chance to go shopping at the naval exchange aboard U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples.
“It was nice going to the exchange and being able to set up my computer and phone to the free Wi-Fi,” said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Damian Landreth . “I talked to my parents and was able to connect with a couple of friends online. Being able to do that put me at ease.”
Many Sailors chose to make the short train ride to Rome. Some of the famous sites that Barry crew enjoyed the most included, the Vatican, Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and the Coliseum.
“I have never traveled outside America, and being able to go to a place like Rome was just amazing,” said Seaman Steven Scriveri . “There are so many things to see, and there is so much history. Hands down my favorite site was the Coliseum.”
For those Sailors who did not feel like venturing too far from the ship, there were many restaurants, stores and beaches to choose from.
Chief Electronics Technician Bobbie West said in the late ’90s, there was not an MWR building at the end of the pier like there is now, and that it is a great addition to Port Gaeta.
“Gaeta was a fantastic port visit for Barry,” said Cmdr. Thomas Dickinson , USS Barry executive officer. “The crew had an opportunity to relax and enjoy the local Italian culture and cuisine, while also accomplishing a great deal of maintenance and preservation on the ship.
Nine ships have been stationed in Gaeta, with the primary mission of serving as the flagship for Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. It is currently the homeport of 6th Fleet command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20).
Barry is part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, conducting maritime security operations in U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. [mappress] Source: navy, June 21, 2011;