Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) arrived in Amsterdam, Netherlands for a scheduled port visit, June 21.

During Carter Hall's visit, the crew will look to enhance U.S.-Netherlands relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure and prosperous Baltic region and Europe.

"The Sailors and Marines of the USS Carter Hall are extremely excited and fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the historic and beautiful city of Amsterdam. Our visit enhances the relations of our two nations, and shows our continued efforts toward ensuring stability and security within the region." - Cmdr. Tina Dalmau, USS Carter Hall Commanding Officer

"It was really interesting working with the Dutch on BALTOPS. Now I'm excited to learn more about their culture in their homeland." - Operations Specialist 2nd Class Mark Kmecik

Quick Facts:

The ship's visit follows its participation in the exercise BALTOPS 2016. BALTOPS is an annually recurring multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region.

While participating in BALTOPS, Carter Hall Sailors and Marines had the opportunity to work closely with representatives of the Royal Netherlands Navy and Marine Corps. Dutch Marines were embarked aboard Carter Hall as liaison officers, and a crew swap event allowed personnel from both nations to learn about the work life of their allied counterparts.

Carter Hall's port visit is both an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between the United States and the Netherlands, and a chance to increase mutual cultural awareness.

Carter Hall Sailors and Marines will have the opportunity to participate in tours, river cruises, and a community relations event during their visit to Amsterdam.

Carter Hall, homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek- Fort Story in Norfolk, Virginia, is conducting naval operations with allies and partners in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in order to advance security and stability in Europe.

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 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/.