Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Europe and NATO Policy Andrew L. Winternitz visited the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) in Souda Bay, Greece, Oct. 8, 2019.
During Normandy’s first port visit in the Mediterranean, the Assistant Secretary of Defense toured the ship and spoke with crewmembers about its tremendous capability.
“Any opportunity to introduce our defense leaders to the phenomenal Sailors aboard Normandy is enjoyable,” said Capt. Chris Stone, commanding officer of Normandy. “Visits such as this aid in the development of a shared understanding about our capabilities and capacity. I am honored to show the exemplary condition of Normandy while also highlighting the strengths we bring to the U.S. 6th Fleet.”
Normandy, homeported in Norfolk, is part of the East Coast Surface Action Group (SAG) and is operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility as part of a scheduled deployment and will conduct routine maritime security operations, improve interoperability and engagement with allies and partners, and demonstrate the combat power and flexibility of naval forces while in theater.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.