The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) departed Batumi, Georgia, Oct. 25, 2019, after completing a scheduled port visit as part of the Navy’s continued Black Sea presence and support to our NATO allies and regional partners.
While in port, the ship participated in two community relations projects and hosted daily ship tours and a reception.
“The hospitality, food, and culture were all a great experience,” said Chief Personnel Specialist Carlo Canosa. “One of my favorite things was the mix of modern and traditional architecture.”
Leading up to the port visit, the ship conducted a port visit in Odesa, Ukraine. Porter hosted Ukrainian officers aboard to observe a sea and anchor evolution while the ship arrived in Odesa, conducted a community relations event with Ukrainian naval academy midshipmen, and participated in a trilateral passing exercise with the Ukrainian and Romanian navies.
This is the seventh time a U.S. Navy vessel has conducted operations in the Black Sea in 2019. The ship entered the Black Sea earlier this year on Oct. 12 to strengthen interoperability with NATO allies and partners and demonstrate the collective resolve to Black Sea security.
“The people of Georgia displayed their world famous hospitality throughout our port visit and made us feel at home from the moment we arrived with a beautiful welcome ceremony,” said Master Chief Weba Roberts, command master chief of Porter. “Porter Sailors enjoyed their port visit tremendously. We've made great friends and hope to visit again.”
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.