Vella Gulf Arrives In Burgas, Bulgaria
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS140708-04
Release Date: 7/8/2014 7:39:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Edward Guttierrez III, USS Vella Gulf Public Affairs
BURGAS, Bulgaria (NNS) -- Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) arrived in Burgas, Bulgaria for a scheduled port visit July 8.
Vella Gulf's presence in Bulgaria reaffirms the United States' commitment to strengthening ties with NATO allies and partners, while working toward mutual goals of promoting peace and stability in the region.
'Vella Gulf Sailors are honored to have the opportunity to visit the city of Burgas,' said Capt. Robert Katz, Vella Gulf's commanding officer. 'Our last port visit to Bulgaria was a phenomenal experience and we look forward to more interactions with the Bulgarian people and their culture.'
Upon departure, Vella Gulf will participate in Exercise Breeze, a Bulgaria-led maritime training exercise spanning the full spectrum of naval warfare areas. The exercise is designed to enhance the operational and tactical interoperability between the Bulgarian naval units and the participating units from different countries and commands.
'We feel fortunate for the opportunity to participate in Exercise BREEZE with our partners from Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Romania, and Turkey,' said Katz. 'Our participation helps increase interoperability and improves maritime proficiencies, as well as promotes friendship and mutual cooperation.'
Vella Gulf, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, is conducting naval operations allies in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in order to advance security and stability in Europe.
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 and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
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