The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) departed Bar, Montenegro, after a three-day scheduled port visit March 16.

Jason Dunham's presence in Montenegro reaffirmed allies that the U.S. Navy shares a commitment to strengthen ties with allies while working toward mutual goals of promoting peace and stability in the Mediterranean.

Quote:
"I cannot be prouder about the partnerships we've built here in Montenegro, both through interoperability training and cultural exchange. Due to the high level of professionalism of my crew and our Montenegrin partners, I am confident in our ability to work together towards stability in the Adriatic and Mediterranean, now and in the future."
-Cmdr. Darren Dugan, USS Jason Dunham's commanding officer

"Jason Dunham's visit to Montenegro is yet another integral piece in our overall security efforts."
- Margaret Uyehara, U.S. Ambassador to Montenegro

Quick Facts:
* Cmdr. Dugan conducted an office call with Montenegrin Navy's Chief of Naval Operations Capt. Darko Vukovic and the mayor of Bar, Zoran Srzentic, March 13.
* U.S. embassy personnel and their families, local media and distinguished visitors were given tours of the ship March 14.
* Cmdr. Dugan hosted a question-and-answer session with local media March 14. Media guests included Biljana Dabic Boljanovic of Veeernje Novosti Daily, Dragan Stojanovi of Dan Daily and Ante Bakovic of Dnevne Novine and Portal.
* A reception for distinguished visitors was hosted on the flight deck of Jason Dunham, March 14.
* Sailors assigned to the Jason Dunham Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team and the Montenegrin Maritime Special Operations Force met to compare weapons and discuss tactics, March 14.
* 15 Jason Dunham Sailors toured the Montenegrin Maritime Operations Center; learning how the Montenegrin Navy conducts security operations in the area, March 14.
* Strengthening alliances during the port visit to Montenegro demonstrates the shared commitment the U.S. has toward promoting safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance interoperability its allies and partners.
* Jason Dunham is currently operating in the Mediterranean 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.
* Jason Dunham's namesake honors United States Marine Corps Cpl. Jason Dunham, who was killed in the line of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
* 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/.