Amphibious assault ship USS Wasp in Limassol for scheduled port visit

The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), with embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC), has arrived in Limassol for a regularly scheduled port visit, the US Fleet Forces Command has said.

As stated, having arrived on 8 August, while in port, the ship and the 24th MEU (SOC) team will conduct a routine liberty port as well as participate in a community relations event in coordination with the Agios Stefanos Foundation.

According to Capt. Christopher Purcell, commanding officer of USS Wasp, American Sailors and Marines were “looking forward to experiencing the culture of Cyprus, exploring the region, enjoying local cuisine, and volunteering in the community,”, adding that “port visits like this enhance our relationships with partner nations and enable us build upon shared values and experiences.”

It is added that the Republic of Cyprus is a frequent destination for US Navy ships operating in the Mediterranean.

In August 2023, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) visited Limassol while deployed as part of the Gerald. R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, while in November of the same year, the US 6th Fleet Blue Ridge-class command-and-control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrived in Larnaca, where the combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners enjoyed liberty while forward deployed from Gaeta, Italy.

Furthermore, in February 2024, the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) conducted their third port visit of deployment in Larnaca, Republic of Cyprus.

Limassol marks the second liberty port visit for Wasp and her crew since the ship began deployment 1 June, the press release concluded.

(Source: CNA)