BLACK SEA –
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) began its southbound transit from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, April 20, 2020, after conducting maritime security operations.
With the support of partners and allies, Porter will remain safely at sea, focusing on operational requirements and executing national tasking during the COVID-19 response.
Upon arrival in the Black Sea, Porter conducted maneuvering operations with the Romanian frigate Regina Maria (F222), demonstrating the strength and cooperation of nations across the NATO alliance.
This is the second time a U.S. Navy ship has visited the Black Sea since the beginning of 2020. The last ship to visit the Black Sea was USS Ross (DDG 71) in January.
The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea consistent with international law, including the Montreux Convention.
Porter, forward-deployed to Naval Station 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.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.