GAETA, Italy –
The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) made a scheduled port visit to Gaeta, Italy June 9-14, as part of their deployment with Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG 21).
The visit is The Sullivans’ second port visit since deploying from her homeport of Mayport, Florida April 19. The Sullivans crew had the opportunity to conduct routine maintenance and repairs, and to experience the local sights and culture of Gaeta. To ensure the safety and health of the ship’s crew and host nation citizens, all personnel have been fully vaccinated and were in compliance with host nation quarantine and infection control regulations.
“Our time in the Mediterranean Sea has been an incredible opportunity to train with our NATO allies and regional partners,” said Cmdr. David Burkett, Commanding Officer. “Stopping in Gaeta is important as it gives us the chance to re-supply before continuing the deployment with HMS Queen Elizabeth, and it gives the crew an opportunity to experience all the amazing history and culture that Italy has to offer”
The Sullivans is named to honour five brothers from Waterloo, Iowa who served together on the USS Juneau during World War II. The Sullivan brothers: George, 28; Francis, 27; Joseph, 24; Madison, 23; and Albert, 20; lost their lives during the Battle of Guadacanal Nov. 13, 1942. They were adamant about serving together in spite of the Navy wartime policy to separate family members.
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 and USS The Sullivans are humbled and proud to continue the special relationship with the United Kingdom through the deployment of Carrier Strike Group 21. Their interoperability with the United Kingdom, The Netherlands and additional international allies will preserve our collective military advantage and reinforce rules-based international order. The United States and United Kingdom’s forward-deployed forces remain ready to respond to crises globally as a combined maritime force – we stand together.
U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
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