Guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) arrived in Victoria, Seychelles, for a port visit, June 24.
The visit serves as an opportunity for the crew to relax after being at sea for more than a month.
“ The crew has been working hard, providing maritime security in a difficult area of the world to operate,” said Cmdr. Christopher Nerad , Nitze’s commanding officer. “Everyone is very excited to relax and engage with the local people.”
Command Master Chief Bill Arbuckle was also enthusiastic about the visit.
“This is a great opportunity for us to see a part of the world most of us have not seen before,” said Arbuckle. “ The crew is excited about this visit.”
While in the Seychelles, the crew will have opportunities to participate in a variety of activities arranged by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee, including snorkeling, nature trail tours and a tour of one of the Marine National Parks of the Seychelles.
The visit is an opportunity to get to know a different culture before continuing operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
“Some rest and relaxation is going to be good for everyone,” said Nerad. “Then the crew will be ready to get back into the area of operation and continue our mission.”
Nitze is deployed as part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , June 28, 2012