Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) entered the Black Sea, Aug. 18, to conduct maritime security operations and enhance capability and interoperability with allies and partners in the region.

The ship's operations in the Black Sea are meant to enhance maritime stability, combined readiness and naval capability among NATO allies and partners.

Quote:

"Porter is excited to be back in the Black Sea, building strong relationships with our partners and allies which are crucial to peace and stability in the region." - Cmdr. John Tobin, commanding officer, USS Porter

Quick Facts:

Porter entered the Black Sea 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.

Porter, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on a routine patrol 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 joint, allied and interagency partners to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

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