The guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) arrived in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, June 18.
The visit will provide the crew with well-deserved rest and relaxation before continuing on to the ship’s homeport of Mayport, Fla.
The Hue City’s crew recently completed their mission to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. It was many of the Sailors’ second deployment in the last 13 months on the ship.
“Mediterranean port visits are always a favorite for Sailors,” said Capt. Daniel B. Uhls, commanding officer. “We consider it as sort of a reward for all of the hard work Hue City Sailors did in part one and two of deployment.”
Palma de Mallorca gives Sailors a chance to sightsee, shop and explore a new place that many have not seen before.
“Palma de Mallorca sounds like an amazing place and I’m looking forward to enjoying the food and seeing the impressive architecture of its historic buildings,” said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 1st Class Francisco Villalon of Hue City.
This port call will also provide an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Spain and the U.S. and help maintain a safe maritime environment.
“The U.S. and Spain work together to develop cooperative solutions to support regional security and stability throughout this vital region of the world,” said Uhls. “Port visits like this lead to expanded military interoperability that enhances our ability to provide ready forces for bilateral and multilateral exercises and operations.”
Hue City is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
[mappress] Press Release, June 20, 2013