BLACK SEA - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78), participated in maneuvering exercises with Romanian Naval Forces and Romanian Air Forces in the Black Sea on Feb. 5, 2021.

In the Black Sea, Porter, along with the Henry J. Kaiser-class underway replenishment oiler USNS Laramie (T-AO-203), participated in naval exercises with Romanian Navy frigate ROS Marasesti (F 111) and Romanian Air Force F-16s.

"We are proud to train and operate alongside our Romanian Allies to support maritime security in the Black Sea and beyond.” said Chargé d’Affaires David Muniz, U.S. Embassy in Romania. “This is one of several joint exercises we will conduct this year, highlighting both the interoperability of NATO maritime forces, and the steadfast commitment of Romania as a true friend and partner to the United States.”

The exercises provided the U.S. and Romanian Naval Forces the opportunity to practice tactical maneuvering while operating with a High Value Unit, the USNS Laramie. The ships were able to practice coordinated maneuvering exercises.

“We conducted a great bilateral training at sea with the Romanian navy, strengthening our combined readiness and naval capability,” said Cmdr. Thomas Ralston, commanding officer of Porter. “Engagements and exercises with our partners and allies demonstrate high-level cooperation and commitment to ensure regional stability.  I look forward to any future opportunities to evolve our interoperability with the Romanian navy.”

Romania is a vital ally with a credible and highly respected military.  We are honored to continue working with Romania, our strategic NATO Ally and a pillar of stability in the Black Sea region.

NATO Allies and partners continue to conduct engagements and multinational exercises that enhance our interoperability as a long-term effort to improve regional cooperation, maritime security, and stability in the Black Sea region.

Porter is on her 9th patrol of the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea consistent with international law, including the Montreux Convention.

Four U.S. Navy destroyers, including Porter, are based in Rota, Spain, and assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 in support of NATO’s Integrated Air Missile Defense architecture. These Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Europe ships have the flexibility to operate throughout the waters of Europe and Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic Circle, demonstrating their mastery of the maritime domain.

U.S. Sixth 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.