NSA Souda Bay receives Meritorious Unit Commendation
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece — Military and civilian personnel assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay were recently awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for sustained operational excellence and force protection from Oct. 7, 2023, to Dec. 23, 2024.
Operating in the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa area of operations, the installation served as the primary Eastern Mediterranean logistical and power-projection hub supporting U.S. and allied forces during dynamic maritime security operations and regional contingency responses.
Following the formation of multiple joint task forces responding to regional crises, NSA Souda Bay absorbed a surge of more than 1,000 personnel and 29 aircraft, quadrupling its active-duty presence. Despite the sharp increase in operational tempo, installation personnel coordinated 7,370 mishap-free aircraft events, processed 11.2 million pounds of cargo, and facilitated the transit of approximately 26,000 personnel in direct support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Prosperity Guardian, Neptune Solace, and other high-priority national taskings.
"Taking the helm of a command with this level of operational heritage is both humbling and inspiring," said Capt. Patrick O’Neill, commanding officer of NSA Souda Bay. "Stepping into the role, I recognize that our daily success is built on the perseverance of those who weathered the storm before us. We are standing on the shoulders of giants. The tenacity, professional rigor, and devotion to duty demonstrated by Team Souda during such a demanding period set a lasting benchmark for Fleet support. Every member of this team is inspired and committed to putting in the hard work every day to continue supporting Department of War missions."
On the waterfront, NSA Souda Bay delivered critical logistics and supply services to 14 Military Sealift Command vessels and coordinated vital emergent repairs for the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), as well as Fleet replenishment oilers USNS Laramie (T-AO 203) and USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201). These rapid-turnaround maintenance efforts ensured forward-deployed forces remained on station during peak operational tasking.
"When regional events demanded immediate action, NSA Souda Bay adapted within hours to meet the Fleet's needs," said Cmdr. Steven Aspholm, executive officer of NSA Souda Bay, who served at the command during the surge. "Every department—from port operations, air traffic control, security forces to logistics specialists and our Hellenic host-nation partners—worked around the clock without hesitation to support the mission. It was a relentless pace, but the team took immense pride in keeping our ships at sea, our aircraft in the fight, and our warfighters supported."
The logistical and operational achievements of NSA Souda Bay during this period strengthened diplomatic ties with Mediterranean allies while directly enhancing U.S. and NATO maritime security.
NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. For more information, visit us at www.cnic.navy.mil/SoudaBay or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NSASoudaBay.
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