The guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) departed Tromso, Norway, June 13, following a four-day port visit to strengthen the partnership between the Norway and the United States.

While in port, Sailors had the opportunity to experience Norway's rich culture and heritage, as well as interact with members of the Norwegian army as they stood watches together around the clock.

"We talked about how long we've been in, and about their structure versus our structure - the differences and the similarities - and about their careers and our careers," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class James Callahan.

"The building of friendships, the building of that relationship, even at the junior level, really helps that camaraderie," said Callahan. "They can always think back and go 'I remember this time with the Americans. I stood watch for them,' and it's just good to do that. I've done a lot of this type of stuff in my naval career, and this is honestly some of the most fun stuff; being able to just sit and swap stories."

Additionally, several Bulkeley Sailors donned red and white jerseys and scarves on June 11 in support of Tromso Idrettslag - Tromso's very own professional football (soccer) club - as they were matched against Rosenborg Ballklub (RBK) from Trondheim, Norway.

"We were in Tromso, so we had to support Tromso," said Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 3rd Class Casey Waidelich. "It was really crazy. Everyone was screaming [and] getting mad when they thought they RBK were going to win. It was the place to be."

Tromso was victorious, besting RBK 2 - 1, and holding their position as the northernmost top-level football club in the world.

Bulkeley is currently underway as part of a routine deployment. With U.S. Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as the flagship, deploying strike group units include staff, ships and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, as well as Sachsen-class German Frigate FGS Hessen (F 221).

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