USS Vella Gulf Arrives in Batumi, Georgia
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS140818-02
Release Date: 8/18/2014 9:25:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Weston Jones, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Europe
BATUMI, Georgia (NNS) -- The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) arrived in Batumi, Georgia, for a scheduled port visit, Aug. 18.
While in Georgia, Vella Gulf is scheduled to participate in a joint training exercise with the Georgian Navy focusing on signaling and visit, board, search and seizure tactics. Vella Gulf will also host a reception onboard for Georgian dignitaries.
Vella Gulf's mission in the Black Sea is to work with NATO allies and European partners, demonstrating the United States' commitment to strengthening and improving interoperability while working toward mutual goals in the region.
In addition to experiencing Georgian culture, Vella Gulf sailors will also participate in a soccer match against the Georgian Coast Guard.
'Visiting Georgia is sure to be a rewarding experience for the entire crew,' said Capt. Robert D. Katz, commanding officer of Vella Gulf. 'Vella Gulf is committed to regional stability and maritime security with our partners in the Black Sea. We are honored to host a reception, spend a day training together, and see the unique sights of Georgia.'
Upon departing Georgia, Vella Gulf will continue its deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
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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