The Beacon NSA SOUDA BAY Compiled and Published by Public Affairs

JULY 2012

NSA Souda Bay– Extending the Warfighter’s Capabilities

Quote of the Month: “All growth de-pends upon activity. There is no develop-ment physically or intellectually with-out effort, and effort means work..” ~Calvin Coolidge-

Inside this issue:

Admiral Gaiani A3 visits

Supporting A4 CVN Embarks

Independence Day A5

Souda Bay Rocks! A6

Career Milestones A7

“If you are a member of Team Souda, remember that you play a vital role in sup-porting operations into the EUCOM, AF-RICOM, and CENTCOM AORs, or you are engaged in supporting those who are supporting the operators.” ~ XO, CDR Demetries Grimes

USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109) USS COLE (DDG 67)

U.S. Ambassador A1-A2 visit and remarks

: USS FLORDIA (SSGN

U.S. Marine MV-22B

USS Vella Gulf (CG-72)

Remarks to NSA Souda Bay Troops July 31, 2012 “I am pleased to have this opportunity to meet with all of you and to tour the Naval Support Activity in Souda Bay. I want to salute all of you and recognize the vital work you do to protect our country and our free-dom. This is also an impor-tant opportunity to ac-knowledge the sacrifices you and your families have made and the challenges you have overcome to make our country and the world a better place. The United States Naval Support Activity is one of our nation’s most important strategic forward operations sites with a history going back more than four decades. The strategic importance of Souda Bay was underscored most recently during Operation Unified Protector, but I also want to acknowledge all your continued efforts in support of CENTCOM, AFRICOM, as well as EU-COM. Each year you manage and support over 300 ship visits, 25,000 personnel transfers, and 2,000 aircraft sorties. Thanks to your hard work and to our Greek hosts, moreover, you have done this with minimal manpower and resources. Your vital contributions help ensure peace in this re-gion, but also strengthen overall Greek-American relations. Indeed, our military to military rela-tionship remains a critical element in our overall relationship with Greece. I am pleased to report today that that relationship, based on shared values and ideals, remains strong, vibrant, and endur-ing. It is also an important part of our overall relationship with Europe. In the words of President Obama, Europe is “the cornerstone of our engagement with the world,” and your engagement with Greece and NATO contribute directly to the success of this transatlan-tic relationship. The past few years have not been easy for Greece and its people. But history has shown the world that Greeks are a resilient people who have endured enormous hardship and challenge, and emerged stronger. In a land blessed with great natural beauty and many advantages, the greatest Greek asset remains the creativity, ingenuity, and drive of its people. This, and the friendship of the United States, will endure. Let me thank you and your families again for your sacrifice, your service, and your stalwart com-mitment to ensuring peace and prosperity in this region and beyond, and for keeping us safe at home. God Bless you all.”

Ambassador Smith addresses Souda Bay troops

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Captain Gibson, NSA CO, greets Ambassador

Ambassador Smith thanks harbor patrol personnel

Ambassador Smith addresses troops

A U.S. Marine shakes hands with the ambassador Sailors meet the ambassador

Ambassador Daniel Bennett Smith was sworn in as United States Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic on Septem-ber 7, 2010. His recent visit to NSA Souda Bay included a tour of the Marathi NATO pier complex by harbor pa-trol boat and an all-hands call in the installation’s gym-nasium where he thanked personnel for their service.

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The Beacon A3

Rear Admiral Gaiani Meets With Souda Leaders By Master-at-Arms Seaman Kameron Greene

SOUDA BAY, Greece— Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia, Rea Admiral Anthony E. Gaiani respectfully visited NSA Souda Bay’s chain of command as well as a board of installation program directors, Monday July 23rd. During his visit, Gaiani stressed the impor-tance of Souda Bay as well as the future out-look of the region and the Navy as a whole..

Rear Admiral Anthony E. Gaiani (center), commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia speaks with Souda leaders over lunch during his visit to NSA.

FLCSI Highlights “A Day in the Navy” Photography and article by Master-at-Arms Seaman Kameron Greene

SOUDA BAY, Greece— As they do with every visiting fleet unit, members of the Fleet Logistics Center Si-gonella (FLCSI) Site Souda Bay assisted the USNS GUADALUPE (T-AO-200) with mail delivery, supplies and provisions once she docked at the Marathi NATO Pier complex on Wednesday, July 18th. Fleet support at Souda Bay is a routine daily operation but was highlighted during July as a submission item for “A Day in the Navy:” “A Day in the Navy,” is one day picked each month for capturing a representative “snap shot” of the Navy at work and operations in progress around the globe. It is dedicated to all Navy active duty personnel and civilian employees performing their mission.

Souda Bay Supply Department unload provisions off of truck

USNS GUADALUPE (T-AO-200) arrives

Cargo handling following arrival of USNS GUADALUPE (T-AO 200)

Supporting

Carrier Embarks

From Crete

In mid-July, USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) transited the eastern Mediterra-nean and provided an opportunity for the organization of aircraft carrier em-barks for special guests using NSA Souda Bay as a stepping-stone. One group of distinguished visitors included the prime minister of Montenegro and several of his cabi-net members while another group was comprised of international media representatives. During aircraft carrier embarks, guests are normally flown on a Navy C-2 Greyhound aircraft to the ship to view carrier operations and observe the precision that is required to operate in a very complex

environment. An embark allows guests to take a look at a "day in the life of the United States Navy" and witness the pride and professionalism of our young people as they serve our country at sea on an aircraft carrier. In this way, the Navy can more specifi-cally provide guests with an "up-close and personal" experience of military requirements when conducting at-sea operations.

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Montenegro’s Prime Minister, Igor-Luksic is flanked by NSA’s Commanding Officer, Captain James F.

Gibson (left) and Executive Officer, Commander Demetries Grimes

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July 2012 A4

Recreation, Patriotism and Fun! NSA Celebrates Independence Day by Master-at-Arms Seaman Kameron Greene

SOUDA BAY, Greece--Active duty personnel, Department of Defense civilians, contractors, U.S. family mem-bers, and guests celebrated Independence Day with a festival at Agios Onoufrious 115 Officers’ summer recrea-tion area on the 4th of July.

The event, sponsored and organized by NSA’s Moral, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department and included an array of games, prizes, water recreation, great music, BBQ and fireworks. “It’s a chance to give the Sailors a taste of what they’re missing back home” said Soula Vasilakis, Event Coordinator, and Head of MWR’s Kriti Info divi-sion.. NSA’s Independence Day celebrations have been celebrated since 1999. However, with a change in location this year, Vasilakis became anxious for the possible turnout of personnel.“It used to be at a water park.” Said Vasi-lakis. “We’ve always had great turnouts there, but we’ve changed the location this year, and we weren’t sure of how many people would show up.”

The festivities began late-afternoon and by the end of the day MWR had sold more than 500 tickets. “It wasn’t the event; it was America’s birthday that sold tickets,” said Vasilakis.

For personnel like Master at Arms Seaman Deasia Johnson, it was a first time experience that is sure to last in her memory for a long time to come. “It’s a great relief from work.” She said. “We can spend America’s birthday re-laxing with good food and music. I wish every weekend were like this.”“It’s a beautiful set-up, and there’s so much participation” said family member Katee Kinsteder, “I can’t wait to see the fireworks.” The evening ended with words from Capt. James F. Gibson- Jr., NSA’s commanding officer followed by an amazing fireworks dis-play.

The Beacon

Fireworks illuminate the night at the conclusion of the 2012 4th of July celebration held at Agios Onoufrious.

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July 2012 A6

Rock Concert Takes on Souda Bay By Master-at-Arms Seaman Kameron Greene

SOUDA BAY, Greece--The celebra-tion continues just days after Amer-ica’s birthday with a free concert fea-turing American-styled bands, “The Kelly Bell Band”--blues alternative, and alternative rock’s “Cartel,” out-side on Diamonds’ patio, Friday, July 6th. Sailors and guests alike, gathered as the sounds of American-styled music rocked the island of Crete. Both bands expressed their gratitude for Active Duty personnel and the difficulties of being so far away from home for extended amounts of time.

The musical collaboration demonstrated different genres of music, coming together for one melodic event lasting late into the evening. In addition to the excitement, refreshments and glo-sticks were also provided. The concert was sponsored and organized by NSA’s Moral, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department in conjunction with Navy Entertainment.—

Photos by Master-at-Arms Seaman Kameron Greene —Clock-wise from upper-right: American bands “Cartel” and the “Kelly-Bell Band,” take to the stage. Above: Active Duty Personnel and guest join in on a few of their favorite songs.

The Beacon A7

Career Milestones

IT2 Bryant (Re-Enlistment)

MA2 Ferris (Re-Enlistment)

MA1 Hoskinson (Promotion)

MA2 Kirksey (Re-Enlistment)

NSA Souda Bay congratulates both Active Duty and civilians for their hard work and dedication in ensuring 24/7 sustained superior support to the Fleet.

The Beacon

A Grumman C2A Greyhound arrives A U.S. Marine VM-22 Osprey departs

USS HUE CITY (CG 66) arrives A U.S. Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules departs

USS HUE CITY (CG 66) arrives

USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109) arrives

Here’s some more opera-tional

imagery from July 2012

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