The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) participated in a bilateral passing exercise (PASSEX) with ships from the navies of Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in the Black Sea, Oct. 13 and 14.

The PASSEX was conducted in order to improve maritime capabilities between the U.S. and the other nations. It will also increase warfighting proficiency when operating with Black Sea naval forces, strengthen alliances and partnerships through engagements, operations and by conducting warfighting training that will ensure that all ships involved will be better prepared to meet operational tasking and allow for each nation's navy to become more familiar with each other's capabilities when operating in this region.

Quotes:

"It was thrilling for the whole bridge team to exercise advanced maneuvers with our international allies." Lt. j.g. Andrew Grimm, Navigator, USS Porter.

Quick Facts:

The participating nations participated in live fire exercises, advanced ship maneuvering, combined visit, board, search and seizure training and air defense exercises.

USS Porter, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting routine operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests 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 news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.