VARNA, Bulgaria –
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) arrived in Varna, Bulgaria, April 15, 2019 for a scheduled port visit.
While in port, the ship will host officials from the Bulgarian Navy and local Varna government. Ross will provide tours of the ship before a luncheon in preparation for bilateral naval exercises. These operations enhance regional maritime stability, combined readiness and naval capability with our NATO allies and Black Sea partner.
“U.S. 6th Fleet assets routinely operate in the Black Sea and Ross is part of our long-standing effort to exercise and engage in the region," said Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. "Having the opportunity to conduct training alongside our NATO allies and partners enhances our ability to work together at sea across the full spectrum of maritime operations.”
Ross is the fourth U.S. naval vessel to conduct operations in the Black Sea in 2019. The ship entered the Black Sea on April 14 to strengthen interoperability with NATO allies and partners and demonstrate the collective resolve to Black Sea security.
The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea consistent with the Montreux Convention and international law.
Ross, forward-deployed at 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.