Congressional Delegation Tours USS Cleveland

By Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman William T. Harcourt, USS Cleveland Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- A congressional delegation led by Rep. Mark S. Critz (D-Pa.) paid a visit to the amphibious transport landing dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD-7) Jan. 13.

The purpose of the trip was to experience, first-hand, aspects of the U.S. Naval and Marine Corps forces and to expand his knowledge of the U.S. Marine Corps and Naval amphibious operations, programs, personnel and readiness issues.

To gain a better understanding of the Operational Maneuver From The Sea (OMFTS) concept, Critz and his delegation took a full tour of Cleveland's operational spaces, led by USS Cleveland Commanding Officer Capt. S. Robert Roth. The delegation was able to get a first-hand look at the ship's well-deck, flight deck, bridge, medical spaces, and Combat Information Center.

Critz also had the opportunity to dine with a few of his constituents, members of the ship's crew from Pennsylvania.

"It was truly an honor," said Cryptologic Technician Technical 2nd Class Joshua Ritter, one of the three Sailors who had lunch with the congressman. "…to have [him] take time out of his schedule to show us on the front line that people really do appreciate our sacrifices and efforts."

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