The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) departed Golcuk, Turkey, Aug. 18, 2019, after completing a scheduled port visit as part of our continued Black Sea presence and support to our NATO allies and regional partners.
While in port, the ship and crew participated in a wreath-laying ceremony for the 1999 earthquake in eastern Turkey and attended a guided Morale, Welfare, and Recreation tour of Istanbul.
"We are very thankful for the welcoming hospitality Golcuk showed as we strengthened our military ties with Turkey during this visit. Additionally, the crew was also able to enjoy some well-deserved liberty and experience the rich culture of nearby Istanbul."
Leading up to the port visit, the ship's crew has conducted scheduled port visits to Constanta, Romania, and Varna, Bulgaria, to strengthen the U.S. relations with each nation. Porter hosted a reception, conducted two community relations (COMREL) events, and hosted media for a press conference during the ship's visit to Bulgaria. The crew and embarked midshipmen also joined the Bulgarian Navy in celebrating its 140th anniversary. In Romania, Porter hosted a reception, conducted a COMREL charity event, and participated in Romanian Navy Day on Aug. 15 to mark the Romanian Navy's 159th anniversary.
This is the sixth time a U.S. Navy ship has conducted operations in the Black Sea in 2019. The ship entered the Black Sea on Aug. 8 to strengthen interoperability with NATO allies and partners and demonstrate the collective resolve to Black Sea security.
The U.S. Navy routinely operations 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.