The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) departed Helsinki, Finland, after a three-day scheduled port visit, July 6.

Jason Dunham's presence in Helsinki reaffirmed to regional partners and NATO allies that the U.S. Navy shares a commitment to strengthen ties while working toward mutual goals of promoting peace and stability in the Baltic Sea region.

Quote:
"The events our Sailors took part in during this visit to Helsinki gave them the chance to really get to know our Finnish partners. From friendly soccer matches to exchanging tours between personnel from different ships, I am very proud to say we took full advantage of every opportunity to share camaraderie and experiences with the men and women we are committed to operating alongside to ensure peace and prosperity in the Baltic."
-Cmdr. Darren Dugan, USS Jason Dunham commanding officer

Quick Facts:
* The U.S. Navy, on a normal and routine basis, operates ships in the Baltic Sea consistent with International Law.

* Cmdr. Darren Dugan, USS Jason Dunham commanding officer, visited with Mrs. Laura Rty, deputy mayor of Helsinki; Rear Adm. Kari Takanen, commander of the Finnish Navy and Brig. Gen. Pekka Toveri, commander of the Finnish Guard Jaeger Regiment.

* Members of the Jason Dunham crew played soccer with a local Finnish team, Grankulla IFK.

* Crew members from the Finnish Navy fast attack craft Tornio (PGG-81) and Finnish Coast Guard ship Turva toured USS Jason Dunham and gave tours of their ships to U.S. Sailors.

* Guests from the Finnish Navy and U.S. embassy to Finland attended a reception aboard Jason Dunham to celebrate the U.S. Independence Day July 4.

* Members of a U.S. Congressional delegation visited the ship for a tour and met with Sailors from their districts July 5.

* Members of the Finnish Navy Band played alongside the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band Woodwind Quintet in Suomenlinna July 5.

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

* USS Jason Dunham, homeported in Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, Jan. 27.

* 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/.