USS Mesa Verde Visits Split, Croatia

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon M. Smith, USS Mesa Verde Public Affairs

SPLIT, Croatia (NNS) -- The USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), arrived in Split, Croatia, for a port visit, Oct. 6.

While in port, Mesa Verde will provide tours for government, military and embassy officials while her officers and crew interact with local and international military leadership.

Mesa Verde is crewed by 360 Sailors, who drive and navigate the ship, and operate the equipment that makes the ship one of the U.S. Navy's most advanced air, surface and strike warfare assets. The ship also maintains 699 Marines as part of the Embarked Landing Force, adding to the ship's mission capabilities and readiness.

The visit Split provides an opportunity for Mesa Verde's crew to showcase the ship to local media, host a gathering for international defense representatives, and for crew's liberty, including a variety of tours showcasing Split's unique attractions.

Mesa Verde is a San-Antonio class amphibious transport dock ship, under the command of Capt. Kenneth Reynard. The ship is a part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.