Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) returned to Naval Station Rota after completing its first forward deployed patrol in U.S. 6th Fleet Nov. 4, 2015.

The ship deployed from Naval Station Rota June 29, 2015. While on patrol, Porter conducted several port visits and engagements with NATO allies and regional partners, and spent a total of 32 days operating in the Black Sea.

Quote:

"During our first forward deployed patrol, the crew performed phenomenally well. We worked with Navies from 17 different countries, conducted 11 different exercises and pulled into port 16 times. We finished our first patrol with a full understanding of our new operating environment and having demonstrated operational proficiency in every mission area required of the ship. The crew really enjoyed seeing the sights and experiencing the local culture of all of the places we visited and they had a lot of fun interacting with their counterparts."

- Cmdr. Blair Guy, USS Porter (DDG 78), commanding officer

Quick Facts:

Porter entered the Black Sea for the first time during its patrol from July 5 to 17, 2015 in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

Porter worked with allies and regional partners to develop and improve interoperability, maintain regional security, and work towards mutual goals in order to advance stability in the region.

Porter pulled into Varna, Bulgaria July 6, 2015, to attend the pre-sail conference of exercise Breeze 2015. Breeze was a Black Sea event led by Bulgaria and featuring assets from Turkey, Romania, Greece and NATO standing groups.

The focus of the exercise was on interoperability, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime interdiction operations, among other warfare capabilities.

Porter conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Romanian naval ship ROS Marcellariu (265) July 14, 2015, in the Black Sea.

Porter and Marcellariu conducted flag hoisting drills, flashing light drills, basic ship maneuvers, small boat operations that involved exchange of personnel, a close-in-weapons-system live fire; a visit, board search and seizure training evolution and finally a photo exercise with ships sailing in formation.

Porter arrived in Haifa, Israel Aug. 9, 2015, enhancing U.S.-Israeli relations and providing Sailors an opportunity experience the rich history and culture of Israel.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro visited Porter to tour the spaces, meet with Sailors and see the mission capabilities of the ship.

Sailors participated in a community relations project (COMREL) at the Sahlav Project Youth Home in Haifa, Israel, painting and cleaning; and donating soccer balls, basketballs, and volleyballs.

Porter pulled into Vlore, Albania Sept. 25, 2015 which served to strengthen the ties between the U.S. and Albania

While in port, Porter hosted a reception for senior Albanian defense officials.

The ship also hosted career day and cultural learning event with 9th and 10th grade students from the International School of Vlore, Albania.

Porter returned to the Black Sea Oct. 6, 2015, again engaging allies and regional partners to develop and improve interoperability, maintain regional security.

Porter arrived in Odesa, Ukraine, for a scheduled port visit Oct. 9, 2015.

While in Odesa, Porter hosted a reception aboard the ship. Guests included the Commander of the Ukrainian Navy, and the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, along with other Ukrainian civilian and military visitors.

Porter participated in a PASSEX Oct. 13 and 14, 2015 with naval ships from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.

The focus of the exercise was to improve maritime capabilities between the U.S. and the other nations and to increase warfighting proficiency when operating with Black Sea Naval Forces and to strengthen alliances and partnerships through engagements and operations and by conducting warfighting training.

Porter conducted a port visit in Batumi, Georgia Oct. 20, 2015 giving the crew a chance to interact with the Georgian coast guard in joint training environments, such as medical training.

The ship also hosted a reception for local officials. Guests included the U.S. Ambassador to Georgia and the Mayor of Batumi.

Porter exited the Black Sea Oct. 26, 2015.

In Porter's final port visit, the ship pulled into Split, Croatia, providing the crew another opportunity to meet to experience the rich history and culture of an Eastern European country.

Sailors participated in various tours hosted by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation team (MWR) highlighting the cultural attractions of Croatia.

The Porter's visit, board, search and seizure team hosted a Maritime Interdiction Operation Seminar onboard the ship for 15 Croatian navy and coast guard members, demonstrating tactics and techniques.

During a reception onboard while in port Porter welcomed Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, Vice Adm. James Foggo III, along with Croatian local nationals.

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