CIVITAVECCHIA, Italy –
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) arrived in Civitavecchia, Italy, for a scheduled port visit, Dec. 29, 2022.
This is the ship’s second port visit in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations since departing Norfolk, Va., July 17, for a scheduled deployment. The visit provides an opportunity to bolster the partnership between the U.S. and Italy and gives Sailors from Nitze a chance to explore the region.
“Nitze’s officers and crew are eager to experience the vibrant Italian culture, food, and history while continuing to forge and strengthen the ties between two historic powers and allies,” said Cmdr. Katie Jacobson, commanding officer of Nitze. “The opportunity to experience the world-class hospitality of the Italian people, particularly at the holidays, is something our crew is exceptionally excited for and we sincerely appreciate Italy opening its doors for us to deepen our bond with them as military ambassadors for the United States.”
During their time in Civitavecchia, the crew will have opportunities to explore the local area, make trips to Rome and Vatican City, and take in the history, cuisine, and culture of Italy.
The ship’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation team has organized various tours for Sailors with destinations that include tours of the historic Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter’s Square.
“This is my first port call in Europe and I couldn’t be more excited to see the sites and experience the culture,” said Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Mitchel Anderson. “The anticipation of the crew is felt across the ship and everyone is looking forward to a great time.”
Nitze, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is part of the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group and is operating in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations as part of a scheduled deployment with the strike group.
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is the flagship of CSG-10, George H.W. Bush CSG. CSG-10 is comprised of George H.W. Bush, 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 Nitze, USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119).
The squadrons of CVW-7 embarked aboard the George H.W. Bush are the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, the “Nighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Pukin Dogs” of VFA-143, the “Bluetails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.
For over 80 years, 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.