USS Porter Departs Constanta, Romania

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS170208-01
Release Date: 2/8/2017 7:42:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ford Williams, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

CONSTANTA, Romania (NNS) -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) departed Constanta, Romania, after completing a port visit Feb. 8.

Strengthening alliances during the port visit to Constanta demonstrated the shared commitment the U.S. has to promote safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance interoperability with NATO allies and partners.

Quote:

"The officers and crew truly appreciate the hospitality of the citizens of Constanta and members of the Romanian navy. Whether it was planning exercise Sea Shield, engaging in the volleyball tournament at the Romanian Naval Academy, or enjoying the sights, shopping, and local cuisine, we all had a fantastic time and look forward to returning." - Cmdr. Andria Slough, commanding officer, USS Porter (DDG 78)

Quick Facts:

Porter's port visit provided Sailors an opportunity to meet with naval counterparts in order to strengthen bonds and enhance partnerships. Along with a visit to the Romanian Fleet Headquarters and planning exercises Sea Shield 2017, Porter Sailors participated in a volleyball tournament hosted by the Romanian Naval Academy featuring sailors from the Turkish, Canadian, Bulgarian, and Romanian navies.

While in the Black Sea, Porter is scheduled to participate in exercise Sea Shield 2017. Sea Shield is an annual, Romanian-led multinational exercise in the Black Sea to improve interoperability and proficiency of participating units.

The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea consistent with the Montreux Convention and international law.

Porter, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. The ship deployed from Naval Station Rota Nov. 30, 2016.

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.