Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, visited Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely (DDG 107), Mar. 4, and USS Barry (DDG 52), Mar. 5. While visiting the ships, Vice Adm. Pandolfe held all-hands calls with the crew, met with each ship’s leadership, and recognized Sailors for their accomplishments during awards presentations.

"The reasons you are here are very important,” said Vice Adm. Pandolfe aboard Barry. “The world is unsettled. Your job, our product, is security and stability and that’s what we count on you to deliver to this part of the world, while working alongside our NATO allies, everyday.”

Speaking to the crew, Vice Adm. Pandolfe commended the Sailors on their outstanding work and spoke briefly on the importance of their mission. Mission readiness is a top priority for the admiral which he conveyed during the all-hands calls.

Both Gravely and Barry Sailors appreciated the admiral’s visit and were thankful that he took time to come see them.

During the all-hands calls, Vice Adm. Pandolfe answered questions for the deployed Sailors and presented several awards to Sailors aboard both ships, including a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, six Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and four Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pins.

The Sailors were extremely proud to receive their awards from Vice Adm. Pandolfe.

“I think it’s great that Vice Adm. Pandolfe took time to come out and speak to the crew today,” said Barry’s Command Master Chief Charles Jones. “To have the commander of 6th Fleet come out and visit us on the ship is just awesome.”

Barry and Gravely, homeported in Norfolk, Va., are deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.