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USS Porter Conducts Replenishment-at-Sea with Turkish Navy

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS170821-10
Release Date: 8/21/2017 10:36:00 AM

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

BLACK SEA (NNS) -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) received fuel and supplies during a replenishment-at-sea, Aug. 19, from Turkish replenishment oiler TCG YB. Kudret (A 595) in the Black Sea.

While Porter usually resupplies through United States naval ships, the RAS allowed Porter to work with Turkey, a NATO ally in the region, to increase interoperability and strengthen international ties.

"It's important to continue to work with our allies in the Black Sea and develop these evolutions of mutual support for each other," said Cmdr. John Tobin, commanding officer of Porter. "If we practice a replenishment-at-sea whenever we're able to, we only strengthen our interoperability for future operations."

"Porter and TCG YB. Kudret's replenishment in the Black Sea demonstrates the professionalism and the competency of both crews and the navies they represent," said Capt. Tate Westbrook, commander, Task Force 65. "This is an advanced maritime operation that not every navy in the world can undertake. The importance of this interoperability with a NATO ally cannot be overstated, as it allows us to conduct sustained operations and enhance the regional security in a critical area of the world."

The RAS also enabled Porter to continue conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations without pulling into port for logistical needs.

Porter received approximately 54,000 gallons of fuel, all of which was brought on without incident.

"It went well," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Ralph Tassy. "It shows why training is so important. Even without proper communications, we were still able to get the job done safely."