USNS Littlehale's skipper plays with Greek orchestra

NAPLES, Italy (USTCNS) --- For Capt. Kirby Stross it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. He had walked past the local band club on the Greek Island of Syros for the past two nights. Finally, at the third pass, he decided to enter the music hall.

What happened next was a series of rehearsals with the local Syros Philharmonic Orchestra!

Stross is not only a ship's captain-he's also an avid saxophone player. "I just asked if I could play with them," Stross, master of special mission ship USNS Littlehales, said. "I think they were surprised, but after a short time they welcomed me with open arms." Littlehales was in the Greek port for routine maintenance in November.

Stross didn't quite know what would happen next ... he certainly didn't expect to be invited to play in a live performance in the town. But, that's exactly what happened!

Sporting a bright and elaborate red uniform and cap, Stross, who plays the 'Alta' saxaphone made six live performances in front of a large town audience.

"It was a great experience and I made a lot of friends," Stross said, indicating members of the local band helped him overcome language barriers and worked hard to get him ready to perform. Stross played regularly in his hometown of Hibbing, Minn., and said he missed playing in an organized band.

Stross, who also serves as master of USNS John McDonnell, USNS Silas Bent, and USNS Kane, first started playing the 'sax' when he was in the 5th grade.

For now, the 'sax' is back in its case tucked neatly away in the skipper's stateroom. "But, I must admit to very much looking forward to another visit to Syros," Stross said. "I hope to play with them again."

USNS Littlehales is a coast hydrographic survey ship, part of Military Sealift Command's Special Mission Support Forces. Littlehale's mission is to survey the ocean floor and collect hydrographic data. (MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND-EUROPE PUBLIC AFFAIRS).