CHREBOURG, France –
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) departed Cherbourg, France, April 11, 2018, after a scheduled port visit which enhanced U.S.-France relations as the two nations work together to strengthen regional security and stability.
The ships presence in the North Atlantic is a demonstration of our continued commitment to regional security.
During Porter’s time in Cherbourg, Sailors participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery. In conjunction with the wreath-laying, Sailors were given a tour of the grounds and had the opportunity to conduct an American flag retirement ceremony as well as a reenlistment ceremony for five Porter Sailors.
“The experience at Normandy American Cemetery was humbling and unforgettable,” said Porter’s Command Master Chief Abel Greigo. “We are guests of the French people and seeing how the citizens value the courage of the men of World War II is quite remarkable. To walk the grounds with Sailors from the ship and pay respects in our uniform was important to honor the heroes that are laid to rest.”
Volunteers from the crew also participated in various beach-cleanup community relations (COMREL) projects at the Utah Beach Museum and the Pointe Du Hoc Beach.
“Participating in events like the Utah Beach Landing Museum COMREL is one of the reasons I chose to reenlist and go back out to sea,” said Fire Controlman 1st Class William Agoras, Porter’s COMREL coordinator. “I was almost overwhelmed by the amount of support Team Porter provided and cannot thank those Sailors enough for their time and effort.”
Strengthening partnerships during the port visit to Cherbourg built enduring relationships and emphasized our shared commitment to promoting security and stability within the region.
Porter, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is back underway conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.