Amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) has docked in Limassol, Cyprus, as part of its ongoing deployment in the Mediterranean.
The ship, along with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC), is taking part in a scheduled port visit.
During their time in Limassol, the crew and Marines will have the opportunity to explore the local culture, enjoy the region’s cuisine, and participate in a community event with the Agios Stefanos Foundation. Captain Christopher Purcell, the commanding officer of USS Wasp, expressed the crew’s excitement about the visit.
“Our Sailors and Marines are looking forward to experiencing the culture of Cyprus, exploring the region, enjoying local cuisine, and volunteering in the community,” Purcell said in a U.S. Navy announcement.
“Port visits like this enhance our relationships with partner nations and allow us to build on shared values and experiences.”
This visit is part of a broader pattern of U.S. Navy engagement in the region, with Cyprus frequently hosting American ships. The USS Wasp’s visit follows similar stops by other vessels, such as the USS Ramage last year and the USS Bataan earlier this year.
For the USS Wasp and its crew, Limassol is the second port stop since their deployment began on June 1. The ship has been actively operating in the Atlantic and Mediterranean since April as the flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG).
Along with the USS New York and USS Oak Hill, the Wasp is on a mission to support U.S., Allied, and partner interests in the region, focusing on maintaining stability and deterring potential threats, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The 24th MEU (SOC), which is deployed with the Wasp, is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) designed to respond quickly to crises and protect U.S. national security interests around the world.
While the port visit in Cyprus offers a chance for the crew to rest and connect with the local community, the U.S. Navy add that it is also a reminder of the broader mission the USS Wasp is undertaking in the Mediterranean.
The ship’s deployment is part of the U.S.’s ongoing commitment to supporting its allies and maintaining stability in the region, they say.
Is there any chance that Britain could expand its bases/facilities in Cyprus? That part of the world seems to becoming very popular.
If I recall correctly from my time in Cyprus with the UN, the airfield is great, but the “port” facilities in the Sovereign Base Areas are pretty limited. Most comes through Limassol
Hi Mark. Thanks for the reply. Do you think the port facilities could be upgraded?
Limassol is literally about 5 miles away from the SBS, so very unlikely. Have a look on Google earth and you will see how close they are to each other.
Very unlikely.
Cyprus now has the UKs largest overseas military presence, overtaking Germany in 2019. As such there has regularly been substantial investments, e.g. badly needed new accommodation blocks were opened in 2011; the Akrotiri runway was resurfaced in 2016/17, and a replacement for the small and desperately tired passenger and freight handling terminal is currently nearing completion. The USA often quietly provides equipment or contributes towards upgrade costs, e.g. for new radars and SigInt systems. In return the USA has been allowed to build its own base within a base – the home of the c.130 strong 1st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron – and a detachment of U2 planes operates out of Akrotiri.
As discussed in previous threads, naval facilities are extremely limited – nothing larger than a LCU or patrol craft can be berthed. Constructing an artificial harbour for larger ships would be hugely costly, and not justifiable unless access to Limassol port by RN and USN vessels was threatened.
Thank you RB for your informative post. Very helpful 👍
So what DDGs are escorting this strike group?
Surely the USN has not sent a group of ships without escorts on a deployment…
Oh…
Yes they have!
Where is the Faux outrage!