Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) exited the Black Sea, Dec. 9.

While in the Black Sea, James E. Williams pulled in to Odessa, Ukraine, Nov. 29, for a scheduled port visit. Sailors took liberty and explored the city of Odessa.

"I had a really fun time in Odessa," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Meaghan Moore, from Baltimore. "There was a lot to do, and it was great to have an opportunity to see a culture that not many people get to experience."

Following the ship's departure from Odessa, James E. Williams conducted an underway replenishment with Turkish oiler TCG YB Kurdret Gungor.

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"James E. Williams' presence in the Black Sea demonstrates the United States' commitment to enhancing maritime security and stability, readiness, and naval capability," said Cmdr. Allen Siegrist, commanding officer of James E. Williams.

Quick Facts:

James E. Williams entered the Black Sea, Nov. 26, to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to the collective defense of NATO allies and partners. All Department of Defense efforts in support of NATO allies in Eastern Europe fall under Operation Atlantic Resolve.

The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea consistent with the Montreux Convention and international law.

James E. Williams, homeported in Norfolk, is on a scheduled deployment conducting naval operations with allies and partners in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to advance security and stability in the Black Sea region.

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 information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

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