USS Philippine Sea Visits Aksaz, Turkey

The guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), attached to the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG), arrived in Aksaz, Turkey March 9, for a scheduled port call.

The visit is the second port call for the Philippine Sea this deployment.

“I’m very excited to be in Turkey,” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Steven Mestres-Junque. “I’m really looking forward trying the local food. I love trying new food, and want to try different things from all around the world.”

While in port Philippine Sea will take on fuel and supplies and Sailors will have an opportunity to take liberty. Tours will be provided by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office.
Philippine Sea will also be hosting 10 Turkish officers for a luncheon, and tour of the ship including an SH-60R Seahawk helicopter demonstration.

“We look forward to meeting our Turkish counterparts and sharing a meal with good conversation,” said Lt. Cmdr. Randolph Chestang, the ship’s executive officer. “The luncheon will serve as an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and build camaraderie.”

Philippine Sea and other ships of the GHWBSCSG are on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th fleet area of responsibility.

Press Release, March 10, 2014, 2014; Image: Wikimedia