USS Porter Departs Copenhagen, Denmark

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) departed Copenhagen, Denmark, Feb. 4, 2019, following a scheduled port visit.

The visit served to enhance U.S.-Denmark relations as the two NATO allies work together for a stable, secure, and prosperous region.
"Copenhagen is a beautiful city," said Cmdr. Thomas Ralston, executive officer of Porter. "It was first for many of the crew, and I think we all enjoyed the rich culture and warm hospitality that the capital of Denmark had to offer. The crew has been working very hard this patrol and it’s always great to have a little down time.”

While in port, the ship hosted a reception for local officials including the U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, Carla Sands, and Danish Lt. Gen. Max Nielson, the Danish vice chief of defense.

Sailors also had the opportunity to visit Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park, and receive a tour of the Frederiksborg Castle museum.

“The saying is, ‘join the Navy and see the world,’” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Devin Obermeyer. “Moments like this are surreal, because I know that not everyone has the chance to see places like we do while in the Navy. Copenhagen is a great city and I wouldn’t mind coming back.”
Porter is working with allies and regional partners to help develop and improve maritime forces, maintain regional security, and work towards mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe.

Porter, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. The ship departed from Naval Station Rota, Spain, Dec. 27, 2018.
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.