NSA SOUDA BAY
The Beacon NSA Souda Bay– Extending the Warfighter’s Capabilities
Compiled and Published by Public Affairs
JULY 2012
Quote of the Month: “All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work..” ~Calvin Coolidge-
Inside this issue: USS Vella Gulf (CG-72)
“If you are a member of Team Souda, remember that you play a vital role in supporting operations into the EUCOM, AFRICOM, and CENTCOM AORs, or you are engaged in supporting those who are supporting the operators.” ~ XO, CDR Demetries Grimes
USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109)
U.S. Ambassador A1-A2 visit and remarks Admiral Gaiani visits
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Supporting CVN Embarks
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Independence Day
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Souda Bay Rocks! Career Milestones
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U.S. Marine MV-22B
USS COLE (DDG 67)
: USS FLORDIA (SSGN
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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 freedom. This is also an important opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices you and your families have Ambassador Smith addresses made and the challenges you have overcome to make our country and the world a better place.
Souda Bay troops
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 EUCOM. 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 region, but also strengthen overall Greek-American relations. Indeed, our military to military relationship 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 enduring. 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 transatlantic 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 commitment to ensuring peace and prosperity in this region and beyond, and for keeping us safe at home. God Bless you all.”
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Captain Gibson, NSA CO, greets Ambassador
Ambassador Smith thanks harbor patrol personnel
Ambassador Daniel Bennett Smith was sworn in as United States Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic on September 7, 2010. His recent visit to NSA Souda Bay included a tour of the Marathi NATO pier complex by harbor patrol boat and an all-hands call in the installation’s gymnasium where he thanked personnel for their service.
Ambassador Smith addresses troops
Sailors meet the ambassador A U.S. Marine shakes hands with the ambassador
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The Beacon
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- Rear Admiral Anthony E. Gaiani (center), commander, Navy Region tance of Souda Bay as well as the future out- Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia speaks with Souda leaders over lunch look of the region and the Navy as a whole.. 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 Sigonella (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
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Paul Farley
July 2012
In mid-July, USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) transited the eastern Mediterranean and provided an opportunity for the organization of aircraft carrier embarks 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 cabinet 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. Kameron Greene Montenegro’s Prime Minister, Igor-Luksic is flanked by NSA’s Commanding Officer, Captain James F. Gibson (left) and Executive Officer, Commander Demetries Grimes
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 specifically provide guests with an "up-close and personal" experience of military requirements when conducting at-sea operations.
The Beacon
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Recreation, Patriotism and Fun! NSA Celebrates Independence Day by Master-at-Arms Seaman Kameron Greene
Fireworks illuminate the night at the conclusion of the 2012 4th of July celebration held at Agios Onoufrious.
SOUDA BAY, Greece--Active duty personnel, Department of Defense civilians, contractors, U.S. family members, and guests celebrated Independence Day with a festival at Agios Onoufrious 115 Officers’ summer recreation 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 division.. 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 Vasilakis. “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 relaxing 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 display.
July 2012
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Rock Concert Takes on Souda Bay By Master-at-Arms Seaman Kameron Greene
SOUDA BAY, Greece--The celebration continues just days after America’s birthday with a free concert featuring American-styled bands, “The Kelly Bell Band”--blues alternative, and alternative rock’s “Cartel,” outside 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.
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The Beacon
Career Milestones
IT2 Bryant (Re-Enlistment) MA1 Hoskinson (Promotion)
MA2 Ferris (Re-Enlistment)
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 Ms. Amy Bennett
Paul Farley
Here’s some more operational imagery from July 2012 USS HUE CITY (CG 66) arrives
Ms. Amy Bennett
USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109) arrives Paul Farley
A U.S. Marine VM-22 Osprey departs Ms. Amy Bennett
Ms. Amy Bennett
A Grumman C2A Greyhound arrives
USS HUE CITY (CG 66) arrives
A U.S. Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules departs