The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Golcuk, Turkey, Aug. 16, 2019, for a scheduled port visit as part of our continued Black Sea presence and support to our regional partners.
“Our crew looks forward to this port visit and the relationships we expect to build here,” said Cmdr. Craig Trent, commanding officer of Porter. “This visit enhances ties with our NATO ally and allows our crew to experience the rich history of Turkey."
Since arriving in the Black Sea, the ship's crew has conducted scheduled port visits to Constanta, Romani, and Varna, Bulgaria, to strengthen the U.S. relations with each nation. Porter hosted a reception, conducted two community relations (COMREL) events, and hosted media for a press conference during the ship's visit to Bulgaria. The crew and embarked midshipmen also joined the Bulgarian Navy in celebrating its 140th anniversary. In Romania, Porter hosted a reception, conducted a COMREL charity event, and participated in Romanian Navy Day on Aug. 15 to mark the Romanian Navy's 159th anniversary. These operations enhance regional maritime stability, combined readiness, and naval capability with our NATO allies and Black Sea partners.
While in port Golcuk, the ship will host distinguished visitors and Sailors will be given an opportunity to participate in a guided tour of the city.
This is the sixth time a U.S. Navy vessel has conducted operations in the Black Sea in 2019. The ship entered the Black Sea on Aug. 8 to strengthen interoperability with NATO allies and partners and demonstrate the collective resolve to Black Sea security.
In July, USS Carney (DDG 64) participated in exercise Sea Breeze 2019 and conducted maritime interoperability training with Standing NATO Maritime Group Two in the Black Sea. In April, USS Ross (DDG 71) conducted maritime training with Bulgaria and Georgia, and a replenishment at sea with Turkey. In February, USS Donald Cook (DG 75) conducted maritime interoperability training with the Turkish Yavuz-class frigate TS Fatih (F242) and conducted a port visit to Odesa, Ukraine. In January, Donald Cook and USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) conducted port visits to Georgia and Romania, respectively.
The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea consistent with international law, including the Montreux Convention.
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.