The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) departed Karlskrona, Sweden, after a three-day scheduled port visit, July 1.

Jason Dunham's presence in Karlskrona reaffirmed to NATO allies that the U.S. Navy shares a commitment to strengthen ties while working toward mutual goals of promoting peace and stability in the Baltic Sea region.

Quote:
"I am very glad that Jason Dunham Sailors had the opportunity to experience the historic city of Karlskrona and the warm welcome we received from its citizens. We are very grateful for hospitality that was shown to us and the bonds we've built here. We remain committed to working alongside our Swedish partners to promote security and stability in the Baltic region's maritime domain."
-Cmdr. Darren Dugan, USS Jason Dunham commanding officer

Quick Facts:
* The U.S. Navy, on a normal and routine basis, operates ships in the Baltic Sea consistent with International Law.

* Cmdr. Darren Dugan, USS Jason Dunham's commanding officer, met with Carl-Martin Laner, mayor of Karlskrona.

* Strengthening alliances during the port visit to Karlskrona demonstrates the shared commitment the U.S. has toward promoting safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance interoperability with its allies and partners.

* Jason Dunham is currently operating in the Baltic Sea, working with allies and regional partners to help develop and improve our maritime forces, maintain regional security, and work towards mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe.

* USS Jason Dunham, homeported in Norfolk, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. The ship deployed from Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 27.

* 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/.