Week 10 was filled with a variety of events. It all began with a combined exercise involving the Maltese Maritime Defense Forces. We were able to conduct a variety of training with them including Towing, Astern Refueling, an Alien Migrant Interdiction Operation (where the Maltese sailors played the role of the migrants) and a Rescue and Assistance drill. We learned that migrants from Africa have become a huge problem for Malta with over 1,000 making it to Malta on their way to Italy and Europe this year. Due to their small population this is equivalent to almost 400,000 migrants arriving in one of the larger European countries like Germany. Malta has also purchased two 87’ patrol boats from the United States that are of the same design as our 87’ Coastal Patrol Boats. We were also given the opportunity to host a few of the Maltese officers onboard for lunch and a tour. The exercise was very successful and gave us the opportunity to learn from and with our foreign counterparts.

Soon after the drills with Malta, NORTHLAND headed into the small, waterfront town of Gaeta, Italy. NORTHLAND was in port for six days, but the first three were filled with preparations for our Change of Command Ceremony. On July 21st, CDR Christopher Austin relieved CAPT Michael Giglio as Commanding Officer of NORTHLAND. The ceremony was held in the morning with VADM Peterman, Commander Atlantic Area presiding, followed by a reception. The day’s festivities turned out quite well due to the hard work of the crew and despite almost 70 days away from homeport the ship looked great. Everyone really enjoyed both the ceremony and the reception and it gave us another chance to show off the ship to the world.

Following the Change of Command, the crew was finally given the chance to relax and enjoy some great liberty in Italy! Gaeta was wonderful for sightseeing, with all its amazing architecture. The small, waterfront town was filled with small shops, outdoor markets and restaurants with traditional Italian food. Almost everyone took the opportunity to try the great local ice cream as well!

Many of the crew also made it to Rome, which was only about two hours away. Some took advantage of a guided tour, while others set out on their own. Either way, seeing the sights of Rome, including the Coliseum, the ruins of the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican, was a great opportunity. Unfortunately, the end of week 10 culminated in our departure from Italy. It was a nice break, but everyone was ready to keep heading west toward home!

Photos

DC2 Matousek helping the “victim” as part of our Rescue & Assistance Drill with Malta.

MK3 Green and SN Lheureux before the Change of Command.

SN Sprague prepares our small boat, NOR 2, for the exercise with Malta.

SN McGhee helps with the small boat for our exercise with Malta.

A volcano we passed while transiting the Straits of Messina en route Gaeta, Italy.

SK1 Ball on watch at the Quarterdeck in Gaeta, Italy.

NORTHLAND’s Rescue & Assistance Team, DC2 Wolfe, ENS Ferreira, DC2 Matousek, DC2 Hall & FN Neely, along with two members of the Maltese Navy.

BM1 Seyler-Schmidt & BM2 Montejano on the signal bridge during our exercise with Malta.

CAPT Giglio and LCDR Lane talk with our foreign counterparts as CDR Austin looks on.

Our small boat in action during the drills with Malta.

The crew preparing for the Alien Migrant Interdiction exercise with Malta.

ENS Alex, GM2 Delahoussaye, ET1 Deocampo and HS1 Marin prepare for the arrival of the “migrants”.

MK2 Fleming and MK2 Post frisk the “migrants” for weapons as they arrive onboard.

DC2 Wolfe on the fantail during our drills with the Maltese.

The Maltese sailors saying goodbye to NORTHLAND.

OSC Beckom, OSC Fink & HS1 Marin in Rome.

ENS Potter & ENS Fawcett at the Coliseum in Rome.

GM1 Mendola at the ruins of the Roman Forum.

The town of Gaeta, Italy.

CDR Austin and CAPT Giglio carry out their relief as VADM Peterman looks on.