The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) departed Constanta, Romania, Aug. 15 after completing a scheduled port visit.

While in port the ship held a reception and conducted a community relations event – a U.S. Army vs. Navy basketball charity event for disadvantaged families in Constanta. Sailors from the ship also participated in Romanian Navy Day.

“The people, food and the culture were a beautiful experience,” said Seaman Alondra J. Reyes. “At the game, both teams had great attitudes and spent time with the locals. It was great to be able to raise money for the Constanta families.”

The ship entered the Black Sea on Aug. 8, 2019, to strengthen interoperability with NATO allies and partners and demonstrate the collective resolve to security in the region.  

"We would like to thank our Romanian hosts for the warm welcome and hospitality,” said Cmdr. Craig Trent, commanding officer of Porter.  “It is truly an honor to contribute to the strengthening of U.S.-Romanian relations, and my crew really enjoyed celebrating the Romanian Navy's 159th Birthday together.”

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.