NAPLES, Italy (USTCNS) --- Rear Adm. David L. Brewer, III, commander, Military Sealift Command, wrapped up a 'whirlwind' visit to MSC Europe in March, which included stops in three countries in just five days.
MSC Europe commander Capt. Gary Ellis met Brewer, March 22, at his first stop in Rotterdam, the Netherlands-visiting Military Sealift Command Office, Northern Europe, or MSCO NOREUR. Also traveling with Brewer was public affairs director Marge Holtz, Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Oldknow, and flag writer Chief Petty Officer Dennis Johnson.
MSCO NOREUR commanding officer Lt. Cmdr. Gwynn Griffin led Brewer on a tour of the MSC facility, co-located with Military Traffic Management Command's 598th Transportation Terminal Group, and the U.S. Coast Guard in the Rotterdam suburb of Capella.
After meeting the MSC staff, Brewer made office calls with the commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Inspection Office Coast Guard Capt. Frank J. Sturm and 598th Transportation Terminal Group's operations and plans director Army Lt. Col. David W. Pemberton.
Next stop was Malta, where Brewer met up with the MV 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo and the commander and crew of MPSRON One. The ship is currently in the capital city of Valletta undergoing repairs. Capt. Roger Coldiron, MPSRON One's commander, gave Brewer and his party a tour of the vessel, and a detailed update on the main engine repairs.
The following day, Brewer departed for Italy to visit MSC Europe headquarters. Brewer held an 'all-hands' call with MSCEUR staff, where he discussed a wide range of issues, including the vital on-site medical and logistics support provided by USNS Comfort following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"The television pictures just don't do it justice," Brewer said, who has visited 'ground zero.'
Brewer also spoke about Operation Enduring Freedom, citing the command's supply of over 350 million gallons of jet fuel to date.
He also discussed MSC as a growing business taking over former USS ships Supply and Arctic, the introduction of the Lewis & Clark class oilers, as well as the innovative 'catamaran' for the U.S. Marine Corps.
Brewer then took the opportunity to meet each employee one-on-one, followed by a visit to the Naples United Seamen's Service, or USS, center at the port of Naples, meeting with director Mike White and USS Genoa center director Bill Moerler.
The next day, Brewer made the short trip to Gaeta, Italy, home of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, where he met with its commander, Vice Adm. Scott Fry aboard flagship USS LaSalle. Back to Naples, Brewer made a courtesy call on Rear Adm. Michael Holmes, commander, Fleet Air Mediterranean.
He flew back to the U.S. on March 27.
(FROM MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND-EUROPE PUBLIC AFFAIRS)
