The USO Europe Expeditionary Team flew from Italy to join the GHWBCSG in Crete, providing a welcome presence to Sailors who have been out to sea supporting U.S. Sixth Fleet. The USO Expeditionary Team that brought free meals for watch standers during the port call and added to the ship's overall resiliency plan.
"I just want to say thank you to the USO for serving us while we serve our country and for taking so much time and dedication to fly out here to boost our morale.” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Felicity Weir, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136. “They make a bigger difference than they could ever know."
As USO staff Sabrina Pullido, the senior director, and Nick Jenkins handed out Greek meals and treats to Sailors on duty, they were met by the smiling faces of hard-working Sailors. The USO Expeditionary Team spoke with Sailors about USO programs, events, and on-going support during their service.
"It's has been a true privilege for us to join the strike group in Crete and represent the immense gratitude our nation feels towards the Sailors that are defending our freedom.” said Pullido. “They may not know it, but they are regarded as 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 H.W. Bush. Looking back on the USO's visit to George H.W. Bush, Jenkins said, "all it takes is a small token of appreciation to raise a service member's mood and brighten their day, and I was proud to share in this effort during our USO outreach onboard."
"The USO Expeditionary Team impacted our entire strike group with the reminder of our families at home caring for us while we are deployed,” said Cmdr. Doug Grace, senior chaplain assigned to George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), GHWBCSG. “We're incredibly thankful."
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 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.