BATUMI, Georgia (NNS) – October 21, 2015 — The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Batumi for a scheduled port visit, Oct. 20, 2015.
Porter’s operations in the Black Sea are meant to enhance maritime security and stability, readiness, and naval capability with our allies and partners.
Quote:
“Our port visit to Georgia will enable us to further strengthen our ties with our allies in the Black Sea. We have several events scheduled with the Georgian Navy including medical and law of the sea training, sporting events and at-sea tactical maneuvers. Each event will contribute toward increased integration between our operating forces.”
– Cmdr. Blair Guy, commanding officer of USS Porter (DDG 78)
Quick Facts:
The crew will have a chance to interact with the Georgian Coast Guard, Maritime Detachment, Maritime Transportation, and Border Patrol/Police in a joint training environment. They will also participate in two sporting events, a soccer match and a basketball game. The ship is scheduled to host Mr. Ian Kelly, U.S. Ambassador to Georgia and Mayor Giorgi Ermakov, and will be provide tours of the ship to Georgian nationals.
Strengthening alliances during the port visit to Batumi, Georgia demonstrates the shared commitment we have to promote safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance our interoperability with our allies and partners.
This port visit provides Sailors an opportunity to meet with naval counterparts in order to strengthen bonds for enhanced partnership.
Porter is currently operating in the Black Sea, working with allies and regional partners to help develop and improve our maritime forces, and work towards mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe.
The U.S. Navy, on a normal and routine basis, operates in the Black Sea consistent with the Montreux Convention and International Law.
USS 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 June 29, 2015.
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.
From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs