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USS Porter Completes Patrol; Returns to Rota

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS170411-06
Release Date: 4/11/2017 9:45:00 AM

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

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) returned to Naval Station Rota following the completion of its third forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF) patrol, April 11, 2017.

Porter departed Rota Nov. 30, 2016, to conduct naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

During the patrol, Porter participated in Romanian-led multinational exercise Sea Shield 2017 and Allied Maritime Command-led multilateral exercise Dynamic Manta 2017, interacting with multiple allied and partner nation navies.

In addition, Porter, along with USS Ross (DDG 71) conducted a cruise missile strike against Shayrat airfield in western Syria April 7, 2017. The ships objectively coordinated flight paths in order to strike targets simultaneously, launching a combined total of 59 Tomahawk land attack missiles into Syria.

"This patrol, which began back in November, has been full of change and challenge," said Cmdr. Andria Slough, Porter's commanding officer. "Freedom's Champion has risen and excelled in every occasion. It is my honor and privilege to command such a phenomenal crew, and I look forward to what we can accomplish next patrol after some maintenance and additional training."

During the patrol, Porter conducted port visits in Valencia, Spain; Venice, Italy; Souda Bay, Greece; and Constanta, Romania. In total, the ship travelled approximately 26,500 nautical miles, burning more than 2,960,000 gallons of fuel and completing four replenishments at sea in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. Porter Sailors were fueled by approximately 44,500 cups of coffee.
Also during this patrol, 29 Porter Sailors volunteered in four community relations events, totaling 124 hours.

The ship was awarded the Commander, Destroyer Squadron 60 (FDNF) 2016 Battle Effectiveness (Battle "E"), as well as the Atlantic Fleet 2016 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) "Bloodhound" awards while on patrol.

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.