Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) departed Constanta, Romania after a successful scheduled port visit, June 13.

The ship's operations in the Black Sea are meant to enhance maritime security and stability, readiness and naval capability with our allies and partners.

"Porter's visit to Constanta, Romania, has been an extremely enriching experience," said Cmdr. Andria Slough, Porter commanding officer. "From working alongside the available military forces to experiencing the historic culture, this has been a very good visit that will increase our interoperability and proficiency as we continue combined operations in the Black Sea."

"What a great experience to visit the country of Romania this patrol," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Isiah Price. "I'm originally from the state of Georgia, and this country has opened my eyes to a whole new world of culture that includes foods and traditions and sites for me to see."

Porter hosted a Romanian Media and Distinguished Visitors Day June 12. Local media was provided a ship tour and a question and answer interview session with Porter's commanding officer. Following the tours, Porter hosted a reception aboard the ship for distinguished visitors.

Porter Sailors participated in a Project Rescue Romania community relations project with children from the 'Casa Benjamin' orphanage home in Constanta June 11. Sailors joined the children with a local beach clean-up and spent time interacting in beach activities. Concluding the event, the children and families were provided a tour of Porter, and invited Porter Sailors to join hands in a religious service aboard the ship with provided music from 'Casa Benjamin'.

Strengthening alliances during the port visit to Constanta demonstrates the shared commitment the U.S. has to promote safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance interoperability with NATO allies and partners.

Porter is currently operating in the Black Sea, working with allies and regional partners to help develop and improve maritime forces, maintain regional security, and work towards mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe.

Porter's port visit provided Sailors an opportunity to meet with naval counterparts in order to strengthen bonds for an enhanced partnership.

The U.S. Navy, on a normal and routine basis, operates ships in the Black Sea consistent with the Montreux Convention and International Law.

Porter, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. The ship deployed from Naval Station Rota March 16.

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.

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For more news from Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, visit http://www.navy.mil/.