USS Philippine Sea Visits Georgia

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By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gary A. Prill, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East Detachment Sigonella

BATUMI, Georgia (NNS) -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) pulled into Batumi, Georgia, Oct. 17, and was welcomed by traditional Georgian dancers, local media, and military and civilian leaders.

"This is a great partnership building opportunity for our crew," said Capt. Herbert Hadley, commanding officer of Philippine Sea. "The crew will be given a chance to interact with the host nation on a personal level through military-to-military training courses and community service projects. This is a great way to strengthen the friendship between our countries."

While in port, the crew will participate in basic boat maintenance; electronics; damage control evolutions and boarding operations.

"These training opportunities are a huge benefit to not only the students but also the instructors," said Philippine Sea Command Master Chief Scott Kircher. "It will truly be a learning environment for everyone involved. We encourage the students to share their experiences so that the instructors can benefit and get a better idea of what areas are in need of improvement."

The crew will also hold a reception and conduct a beach clean-up with local residents.

"Community service projects show a true form of goodwill that Sailors can offer to the countries that open their ports and allow us to enjoy their beautiful culture," said Lt. Jonathan Black, Philippine Sea's command chaplain.

Philippine Sea is on a regularly scheduled deployment in the Black Sea and serves to promote peace and security in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility

This Day in Naval History - July 26

From the Navy News Service

1812 - Frigate Essex captures British brig Leander.

1912 - First airborne radio communications from naval aircraft to ship (Lt. John Rodgers to USS Stringham).

1942 - Capt. Joy Bright Hancock appointed director, Women's Naval Reserve.

1948 - President Harry S. Truman orders desegregation of the Armed Services.

1954 - Three aircraft from USS Philippine Sea (CVA 47) shoot down two Chinese fighters that fired on them while they were providing air cover for rescue operations for a U.K. airliner shot down by a Chinese aircraft.

Baltic Operations 2011 Tests Interoperability

From Commander Carrier Strike Group 8 Public Affairs

USS MOUNT WHITNEY, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, visited ships participating in the serial phase of Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2011, June 7-13.

Rear Adm. Clifford Sharpe, commander CSG 8, is in operational control of units participating in BALTOPS 2011, and his staff developed the scenario for the exercise.

Traveling by helicopter or rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) from USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), Sharpe visited 20 ships from 11 different European nations. During each visit, he met with commanding officers and crew members, toured the ship, and received a brief about its capabilities and missions.

Ensuring multinational interoperability is one of the key objectives of BALTOPS 2011. While visiting each vessel, Sharpe asked officers for their comments and input on the exercise.

"Our objective is to meet the needs of all participants," said Sharpe. "These visits provide a way for commanders to let me know how my staff can help them achieve their training and operational goals."

In addition to visiting USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), and USNS John T. Bobo, Sharpe visited ships from Denmark, France, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Estonia, and Russia. His tour included an oiler, a squadron of minesweepers, a landing ship, corvettes, destroyers, frigates, and patrol boats. He also witnessed several gunnery exercises and a mine countermeasures demonstration.

Accompanying Sharpe were members of his staff and an interpreter when needed.

BALTOPS 2011 is a multinational exercise focusing on ensuring peace and security in the Baltic Region. Maritime operations continue until June 17, when the ships return to Kiel, Germany.