The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) arrived in Piraeus, Greece, near the city of Athens, for a scheduled port visit, Oct. 10, 2022. Farragut’s port visit to Piraeus provides an opportunity to strengthen the existing partnership between the U.S. and Greece. While anchored, the crew will have opportunities to explore the cities and cultures of Piraeus and the nearby city of Athens. While in port, the crew will have a volunteer opportunity at the Ark of the World shelter for refugees and underprivileged minors in downtown Athens. Additionally, the ship’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) team organized opportunities for Sailors to tour the nearby city of Nauplio and the Acropolis in Athens.
“Our Sailors are very enthusiastic about this port visit,” said Cmdr. Nicholas Gurley, commanding officer of Farragut. “We are all looking forward to experiencing the rich culture of Piraeus and Athens as well as acting as ambassadors for our country.”
Since departing Naval Station Norfolk in August, Farragut has operated in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations with Carrier Strike group (CSG) 10, George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG), as well as NATO allies and partners in the region. CSG-10, GHWBCSG, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. George H.W. Bush is the flagship of CSG-10 and the GHWBCSG. CSG-10 is comprised of George H.W. Bush, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Information Warfare Commander, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55). The ships of DESRON-26 within CSG-10 are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119).
The squadrons of CVW-7 embarked aboard George H.W. Bush are the “Jolly Rogers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, the “Pukin Dogs” of VFA-143, the “Bluetails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86, the “Nighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, and the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46. For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.
