U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) departed Greek Souda Bay port on November 1 following an eight-day port visit to complete her mid-deployment voyage repair (MDVR).
While the port call’s primary focus was a MDVR to ensure the ship is in fully operational condition for the remainder of her deployment, Wasp was able to host several distinguished visitors as well as local media.
“Souda Bay is a very important strategic port for both the U.S. and all NATO navies,” said Capt. F. Byron Ogden , Commander of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group. “Being able to pull into such a great facility in the Mediterranean to refit and refuel can’t be understated. It is also good to be able to take a bit of time to enjoy the island. Crete has had a long and glorious history, and visiting here is a unique opportunity for our Sailors and Marines.”
“We were able to get a lot of maintenance done due to the tremendous facilities and resources here. Everyone who was on duty over the course of this port visit worked hard to make sure that this ship is in peak condition prior to pulling out. Wasp is ready for the remainder of her deployment,” Wasp Chief Engineer, Lt. Cmdr. Joe Towles , said.
The visit gave sailors and marines the opportunity to experience the culture and cuisine of Crete, as well as to volunteer for community relations (COMREL) events.
Prior to pulling into Souda Bay, Wasp had spent 121 days at sea, interrupted only by a brief stop for fuel in Rota, Spain.
Wasp is deployed as part of the Wasp ARG to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. Commander, Amphibious Squadron 6 commands the Wasp ARG, which consists of Wasp, amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), and amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17). The 22nd MEU is currently embarked on the Wasp ARG.