The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) arrived in Villefranche, France, Dec. 16, to enhance U.S.-France relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure, and prosperous Europe.

While in port, Sailors will have the opportunity to take part in different tours courtesy of the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee, including a wine tasting and all-day tour of the area.

Quotes:

"It is great to be in France. As NATO allies, the enduring friendship between our countries is strong, and many Americans trace their heritage to here. Together, we share a commitment to promote peace and stability and seek opportunities to strengthen our maritime partnership."
- Cmdr. Paul Kaylor, Nitze's commanding officer

"Port visits such as this help strengthen the relationships between our nations and build capability and interoperability with our European partners. Interaction helps build common knowledge of maritime tactics, professionalism, cultural understanding and trust. The local economy benefits from U.S. ship visits in the form of revenue generated by our Sailors who visit local restaurants, businesses and shops to experience the host nation culture."
- Cmdr. Paul Kaylor, Nitze's commanding officer

"I've never been to France before, and I'm very excited to eat some authentic French food and explore the rich culture the area has to offer."
- Petty Officer 2nd Class Ivan Aleksich

Quick Facts:
* USS Nitze will be participating in Morale, Welfare and Recreation sponsored events such as a wine tasting in Saint Jeannet and tours of Nice, Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo.
* Strengthening partnerships during the port visit to France demonstrates the shared commitment we have to promote safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance our interoperability with allies like France.
* Nitze is the third American naval ship to visit France in 2016, following the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) and U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20).
* USS Nitze departed Norfolk, Virginia, June 1, as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group.
* The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group consists of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 staff, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61), and guided-missile destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).
* USS Nitze is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.
* U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.