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USS Oscar Austin Arrives in Riga, Latvia

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS140701-10
Release Date: 7/1/2014 10:34:00 AM

From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

RIGA, Latvia (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) arrived in Riga, Latvia, for a scheduled port visit, June 28.

The port visit in Riga is part of an ongoing effort by U.S. military forces to strengthen ties with NATO allies and regional partners while working toward mutual goals of promoting peace and stability in the Baltic region.

While in Riga, Oscar Austin will host a reception on board the ship. Those invited include the Honorable Mark Pekala, U.S. ambassador to Latvia, as well as several Latvian dignitaries. Oscar Austin Sailors will also participate in a community relations project at the Children's Hospital in Riga along with a performance by a brass quintet from the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band.

Oscar Austin, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, is deployed in a multi-mission role to enhance regional maritime security and build interoperability with NATO and regional partners in the Baltic region.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa.