U.S., Hellenic and Israeli naval and air forces completed the annual maritime-focused exercise Noble Dina 2016, which took place March 31-April 14 in the Mediterranean Sea.

Noble Dina is an annual trilateral naval exercise designed to increase maritime proficiencies among participating nations, and enhance security, stability, and cooperation in the region.

Quote:
"Exercise Noble Dina has been an enriching experience for USS Porter, both ashore and at sea. Partnering with our Hellenic and Israeli counterparts, we have been able to improve our skills in many different areas, such as Search and Rescue coordination, Anti-Submarine Warfare and countering seaborne illicit activity. The cooperation and interoperability developed over the course of Noble Dina will serve as a foundation for future operations critical to maritime safety and security."

-Cmdr. Andria L. Slough, USS Porter (DDG 78) commanding officer

Quick Facts:
Participating forces concluded a series of at-sea drills that focused on practicing anti-submarine warfare capabilities, responding to seaborne illicit activity, and executing search and rescue coordination.

U.S. Navy regularly participates in scheduled training exercises to promote cooperation, understanding, and interoperability between regional partners and allies. Noble Dina participants share a common interest in maintaining a safe, secure, and prosperous region.

U.S. forces participating in the exercise were the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78), Military Sealift Command fleet-replenishment oiler USNS Kanawah (T-AO 196) and a P-3C Orion aircraft from Patrol Squadron (VP) 4, all of which are currently operating forward in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

Noble Dina 2016 commenced in Souda Bay, Greece, March 31.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full range of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in concert with coalition, joint, interagency, and other parties in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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