The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) departed Naval Station Rota, Spain, to resume its sixth forward-deployed naval forces patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, Mar. 4.

Porter arrived in Rota Feb. 13 for a training and maintenance availability period. While in port, the crew performed maintenance that they were unable to complete while underway. In addition, inspectors from Afloat Training Group Norfolk embarked Porter to complete a mobility-seamanship inspection.

"The crew was very happy to be home," said Cmdr. Craig Trent, commanding officer of Porter. "It was also a very productive visit. All hands put in a lot of hard work, earning several qualifications and conducting many hours of maintenance ensuring our ship is ready for the next part of patrol."

Porter is a multi-mission surface combatant capable of conducting exercises and operations in areas such as anti-submarine warfare and ballistic missile defense. While on patrol, Porter will engage with NATO allies and partners to reaffirm the United States commitment to strengthening ties with allies and partners, and to promote peace and stability in the region.

Porter is scheduled to conduct naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

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.

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