Adam turns 25 cruising the Mediterranean

The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) celebrated the 15th anniversary of its commissioning Sept. 17, one day after Communications Officer ENS Adam Morris celebrated his 25th birthday, while deployed to the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) in support of maritime security operations.

The celebration included a ceremonial birthday cake during which the traditional first cut of the cake was made simultaneously by the ship's oldest and youngest Sailors -- Gas Turbine System Technician Electrician Chief Earle Allison and Cryptologic Technician Maintenance Seaman Victor Mason.

The Iwo Jima ESG is made up of Vella Gulf; the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); all homeported at Norfolk; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.