Aboard USS Trenton -- As the sixth port of their Mediterranean deployment, USS Trenton's crew took advantage of their scheduled Intermediate Maintenance Availability (IMAV) in the port of La Maddalena, Italy from 08-18 may 2000.
Trenton's ports on their deployment have been Rota, Spain; Bari, Italy; Ancona, Italy; Corfu, Greece; Barcelona, Spain and most recently La Maddalena, Italy. La Maddalena, Italy was a successful and productive working port for Trenton.
The USS Emory S. Land (AS39), a submarine tender stationed in La Maddalena, provided the repair capability and parts that Trenton needed to help prepare for the second half of the deployment. Trenton was able to complete a significant number of repairs thereby increasing readiness for the remainder of the deployment.
Trenton's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)organization sponsored a sailing trip around the island of La Maddalena which made several stops along the coastline. The USS Kauffman (FFG59), was also moored next to the Emory S. Land.
The Trenton, the Emory S. Land and the Kauffman had friendly competitions with each other in basketball and softball. Trenton's crew completed its semi-annual physical readiness test while ashore with great success. One highlight of the port visit was the steel beach picnic held on Trenton's flightdeck in which a rock Band from the Kauffman entertained the crew and embarked Marines.
Trenton is part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WASPARG), which relieved the Bataan ARG 03 March 2000. In the upcoming months, Trenton will continue to conduct operations in conjunction with multinational naval and joint forces. Trenton will be on Station in the Mediterranean theater throughout the summer of 2000.
Commander Brian Goulding is the Commanding Officer of Trenton, he is joined by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Rollandini, Commanding Officer of MEU Service Support Group 24.