Iwo Jima Arrives in Civitavecchia, Italy

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shelby Tucker, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs

CIVITAVECCHIA, Italy (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) pulled in to Civitavecchia, Italy for a scheduled port visit Dec. 30, 2014.

The visit will give Sailors the opportunity to build relations with the people of Italy, while affording them a chance to enjoy the remainder of the holiday season in port.

Quote:

"We've recently completed an arduous work-up cycle and are ready to operate in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. Visiting Italy, our longtime, important NATO ally, gives our Sailors and Marines an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit one of the greatest cities and regions in the world prior to conducting forward-deployed operations." - Capt. Dana Gordon, commanding officer, USS Iwo Jima

Quick Facts:

* This is the first in a series of scheduled port visits for Iwo Jima during a routine deployment.

* As NATO allies, we share a commitment with the government of Italy to promote peace and stability and continually seek opportunities to strengthen our enduring partnership.

* Interactions between the Sailors of Iwo Jima and Italy will help build understanding of maritime tactics, professionalism, cultural understanding and trust.

* Iwo Jima, the flagship of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (IWO ARG)/24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU), is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

* The IWO ARG/24 MEU is also comprised of embarked Marines from the 24th MEU, amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) and amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21).

* U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.