Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) participated in a bilateral passing exercise (PASSEX) with ships from the Romanian navy in the Black Sea, June 13.

The PASSEX was conducted in order improve maritime capabilities between the U.S. and Romania and included a series of at-training evolutions.

Quotes:

"Exercises like this one with the Romanian Navy provide us an exceptional opportunity to practice our skills in a variety of warfare areas. The interoperability we develop today, in times of peace, will provide the foundation for our continued operations during the most challenging situations. It is always a pleasure to work with our NATO allies, and any chance we have to work with the Romanian navy, especially in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, is a welcome event." - Cmdr. Andria Slough, commanding officer USS Porter (DDG 78)

Quick Facts:

Porter launched two rigid-hull inflatable boats to provide the Romanian vessels an environment to practice defending against small boat attacks. Porter and Romania also participated in a photo exercise, maneuvering exercise, and flight quarters training.

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

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