BATUMI, Georgia –
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) arrived in Batumi, Georgia, April 21, 2019, for a scheduled port visit as part of the U.S. Navy’s continued Black Sea presence and support to regional partners.
Since arriving in the Black Sea on April 14, the ship’s crew completed bilateral exercises with the Bulgarian Navy and conducted a scheduled port visit to Varna. These operations enhance regional maritime stability, combined readiness, and naval capability with NATO allies and Black Sea partners.
While in port, the ship will host various media personnel for scheduled press events. Ross will also offer tours to key groups including local government officials, U.S. Embassy personnel, and students from the Georgian Maritime Academy and National Defense Academy.
“Team Ross is very excited about this visit to Georgia” said Cmdr. Dave Coles, commanding officer of Ross. “The Georgians are capable training partners, as evident by their participation in regional Black Sea exercises such as Sea Breeze and Breeze, and we look forward to conducting valuable training with the Georgian Coast Guard.”
Ross is the fourth U.S. naval vessel to conduct operations in the Black Sea in 2019.
The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea consistent with international law including the Montreux Convention.
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