USS Gonzalez Enters 6th Fleet AOR

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) entered the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, March 18, 2019.

Gonzalez is conducting a routine deployment in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe, increased theater security cooperation, and forward naval presence in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

“Team Gonzalez is ready to join the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations, as well as continuing to foster relationships with our NATO allies,” said Cmdr. Christopher J. Schwarz, commanding officer of Gonzalez. “This is what we’ve trained for, and we are excited for the opportunity to work in such a dynamic and multi-missioned environment.”

While in theater, Sailors aboard Gonzalez will participate in training evolutions to strengthen areas in watch standing, damage control, and warfighting. Gonzalez will also be participating in exercises with allies in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.