The ships’ presence in the Baltic Sea is a demonstration of the U.S. Navy’s continued commitment to collective defense of the European region and reinforces the strong and historic bond between the U.S. and Polish navies. Prior to pulling into port, USS Forrest Sherman conducted seamanship and navigation drills with USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), Polish Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate ORP General Kazimierz Pulaski (FFG 272) and Polish offshore patrol vessel ORP Skazak (241).

“Operating with our NATO Allies on the world stage, prior to pulling into the beautiful country of Poland, is what we are out here to do. Practicing our navigation and maneuvering skills allows us to train like we fight,” said Cmdr. Greg Page, commanding officer of Forrest Sherman. “This exercise allowed us to plan, integrate and operate the full range of activities we need for multi-ship coordination in a dynamic environment.”

While in port Gdansk, the ship’s leadership will provide ship tours to US Embassy staff and the ship’s crew will also have the opportunity to visit the city of Gdansk. The ship’s crew volunteered to assist the Gdansk Foundation at the Gdansk Sports Arena to assist sorting, packaging, and loading supplies to be shipped to Ukrainian refugees across Poland.

“The opportunity to support the Gdansk Foundation in their efforts to support the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian families sheltering in Poland is what we are called here to do,” said Cmdr. Greg Page. “The crew was very excited about the chance to help out and many volunteered for this great cause.”

U.S. Naval Forces Europe, 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, security, and stability in Europe and Africa.