The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) departed Varna, Bulgaria, Aug. 11, 2019, after completing a scheduled port visit as part of our continued Black Sea presence and support to our NATO allies and regional partners.

While in port the ship held a reception, conducted two community relations events and hosted media for a press conference with the commanding officer.

“Being in Varna, Bulgaria, was quite the valuable experience for the midshipmen,” said Midshipman 1st Class Devin O’Banion, a midshipman temporarily assigned to the Porter. “We really learned a lot about our role as future officers during port visits with NATO partners and allies.”

This is the sixth time a U.S. ship has visited the Black Sea since the beginning of 2019. The ship entered the Black Sea on Aug. 8, 2019, to strengthen interoperability with NATO allies and partners and demonstrate the collective resolve to Black Sea security.

“Like many of our Sailors, this is my first visit to the Black Sea area of operations and it was great to be part of the Bulgarian Navy’s 140th anniversary,” said Weba Roberts, command master chief of the Porter. “It was incredible to experience the culture and hospitality of the country.”

The U.S. Navy routinely operations in the Black Sea consistent with international law, including the Montreux Convention.

U.S. 6th Fleet, 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 and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

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