The commander of U.S. 6th Fleet visited Sailors aboard guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) Jan. 5.
During the visit, Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe toured the ship, held an all-hands call on the ship’s forecastle, met with the ship’s senior leadership, and recognized several Sailors’ accomplishments in an awards ceremony.
“The admiral’s visit today reiterates the importance of the mission and how important their time away from home is to our national interests,” said Cmdr. Peter Ehlers, Robert G. Bradley’s commanding officer.
Pandolfe thanked the Sailors for their contributions and spoke about the importance of their deployment. “This is a great ship with a proud legacy and you’re adding to it today by operating in this theater,” said Pandolfe. “Thank you so much for what you’re doing. Your mission is very important.”
Members of the crew felt honored that the fleet commander took time to visit.
“I felt like it was a good visit,” said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Dana Plummer. “It’s reassuring that he would take the time out of his busy schedule to come and see us and talk to us about the great job we’re doing. It felt really good to know we’re out here making a difference.”
During the all-hands call, Pandolfe also presented nine Sailors with awards.
“It was a big honor. I’ve never even heard of somebody that’s been pinned by the admiral,” said Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Marlon Narvaez, who received his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification during the ceremony. “It’s something I’ll remember even after I get out of the Navy.”
Robert G. Bradley, homeported in Mayport, Fla., is currently deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 8, 2013; Image: US Navy