DVIDS – News – George HW Bush hosts USO Europe for his first visit to Souda Bay

The United Services Organization (USO) Europe Expeditionary Team visited the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush (CVN 77), along with embarked personnel from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, George HW Bush Carrier Strike Group ( GHWBCSG) – while in Souda Bay, Crete, during a port visit scheduled for October 6-10, 2022.

The USO European Expeditionary Team flew in from Italy to join the GHWBCSG in Crete, providing a welcome presence to Sailors who have been at sea supporting the US Sixth Fleet. The USO Expeditionary Team brought meals free to the rangers during port calls and added to the ship’s overall resiliency plan.

“I just want to thank the USO for serving us as we serve our country and for taking so much time and dedication to fly here to boost our morale.” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Felicity Weir, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136. “They make a bigger difference than you could ever know.”

As USO staff Sabrina Pullido, Senior Director, and Nick Jenkins handed out Greek meals and treats to Sailors on duty, they were met with smiling faces from hard-working Sailors. The OSU Expeditionary Team spoke with Sailors about OSU’s programs, events and ongoing support during their service.

“It has been a true privilege for us to join the strike force on Crete and represent the immense gratitude our nation has for the sailors who defend our freedom.” Pullido said. “They may not know it, but they are considered true heroes, and everyone back home is so proud and inspired by their service.”

Jenkins, a retired Army H-60 ​​pilot, flew with the ship’s namesake, President George HW Bush. Looking back on the USO’s visit to George HW Bush, Jenkins said, “All it takes is a small token of appreciation to lift a service member’s spirits and brighten their day, and I was proud to share in this effort during our USO range on board.”

“The USO Expeditionary Team impacted our entire strike force with the reminder of our families at home taking care of us while we are deployed,” said Commander Doug Grace, senior chaplain assigned to George HW Bush (CVN 77), GHWBCSG. I am incredibly grateful.”

GHWBCSG is on a scheduled deployment to the US Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of ​​operations, employed by the US Sixth Fleet to defend the interests of the US, allies and the partners.

George HW Bush is the flagship of CSG-10 and GHWBCSG. CSG-10 is comprised of George HW Bush, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, Information Warfare Commander, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).
DESRON-26’s ships 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 CVW-7 squadrons embarked aboard the George HW Bush are the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, the “Pukin Dogs” of VFA-143, the “Bluetails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, the “Nightdippers” from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, the “Sidewinders” from VFA-86, the “Nighthawks” from VFA-136, the “Patriots” from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, and the “Grandmasters” Helicopter Maritime Attack Squadron (HSM) 46.

For more than 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) have forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values ​​to preserve the security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates US naval forces in the US European Command (USEUCOM) and US Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. The US Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces across the spectrum of joint and naval operations.