Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, and Commander, Striking and Support Forces NATO, visited with Greek dignitaries during a visit to Athens, Greece, March 27-29.
During his visit, Pandolfe met with the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, the Honorable Daniel Smith , and members of the U.S. Embassy Team. Pandolfe later met with the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Adm. Kosmas Christidis ; and Hellenic Fleet Commander, Rear Adm. Konstantinos Mazarakis-Einian .
Smith and Pandolfe hosted U.S. and Greek officials aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) during the ship’s first port visit of its final deployment after more than 50 years of commissioned service. At a reception on board the aircraft carrier, Pandolfe emphasized the strong and growing relationship between the nations.
“Greece and the United States are bound together in partnership and history. We are two countries who share the same values, strategic goals and desires for the future,” said Pandolfe. “Events like these underline the long-standing friendship and partnership we have with Greece.”
Smith commented that the U.S.-Greece partnership is strong, vibrant and enduring.
“The United States and Greece have been strong allies and partners, working through NATO and other international organizations to advance peace and security throughout the region and globally,” Smith said. “Our strong bilateral military-to-military relationship, which contributes to the security of both of our nations, is a vital component of the excellent relations between our two countries.”
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full range of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in concert with coalition, joint, interagency and other parties to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , April 03, 2012; Image: navy