Stephen W. Groves Joins SNMG-1 In Lisbon

Following the summer dispersal of the NATO group, crewmembers from the three ships used this opportunity to plan for the upcoming Mediterranean surge deployment and to enjoy the sites and tastes offered by one of Europe's finest cities.

On Aug. 10, Commander SNMG-1, Rear Adm. J. Pereira da Cunha, Portuguese Navy, visited USS Stephen W. Groves. Greeted by a very excited crew, Cunha had the opportunity to be taken on a tour by Stephen W. Groves' Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Edward Gettins, as well as speak to the ship's company on the flight deck. The Commodore welcomed the ship to Lisbon and encouraged the crew to take advantage of the port's many opportunities. While affirming the importance of maintaining high operational readiness, the Commodore also emphasized his expectation that port visits should be maximized as opportunities for "rest, relaxation, and cultural education."

The crew of Stephen W. Groves had no trouble living up to Cunha's expectation. Many Sailors enjoyed the nightlife and activity of the downtown Baixa district, known for its wide selection of fine cuisine, cafes, and port wines. Others preferred the quiet, historic areas of Belem and Sintra, where they toured Portugal's oldest monasteries, museums, and castles. Organized tours also offered unique experiences of the city's cultural sites, shopping, and landscapes, including a guided Jeep tour of the scenic terrain surrounding metropolitan Lisbon.

The officers and crew of Stephen W. Groves also hosted meetings and attended receptions, which facilitated interaction with NATO counterparts. The SNMG deployment schedule was a hot topic of discussion, as everyone eagerly planned for the group's future tasking. The visit in Lisbon allowed the three ships to begin developing the strong working relationship that will prove vital to a successful deployment.

Over the course of the upcoming months, Stephen W. Groves expects to focus her efforts on maritime security operations in the Mediterranean Sea. Enroute from Lisbon, the NATO group will conduct numerous training exercises with the aim of perfecting group cohesion and tactical performance.