Second Fleet Commander Visits USS Gettysburg (CG 64)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Betsy L. Knapper, USS Gettysburg (CG 64) Public Affairs

USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Second Fleet, Vice Adm. Daniel P. Holloway visited the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), Feb. 3.

Holloway arrived aboard via helicopter to meet with Gettysburg's commanding officer and take a quick tour as the ship was conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) as part of the George H.W. Bush Strike Group.

"We talked a lot about different things that have been on our minds," said Capt. Patrick O. Shea, USS Gettysburg (CG 64) commanding officer. "We talked about individual augmentees, the funding for our ship, and managing the overall approach to deployment."

While touring the ship, Holloway reminded the crew that they were a maritime nation at war and to take full advantage of the training scenarios so that they can be ready on arrival.

"Vice Adm. Holloway was very encouraging [from] the stand point of where we are headed in our certifications and was very positive about the performance of Gettysburg thus far," said Shea.

Being able to operate so close with USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), the embarked air wing and the other Strike Group ships during COMPTUEX, has made a positive impact on Holloway.

"I am very proud of what you are doing out here as part of the strike group," said Holloway over the ship's 1MC. "Have a wonderful port visit and a great [leave] period. Take care of your families … so you can come back out and successfully accomplish your mission."

Gettysburg is scheduled to deploy with the George H.W. Bush Strike Group in Spring 2011.

For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacennorfolk/.