RIGA, Latvia –
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) arrived in Riga, Latvia, August 24, 2017, for a scheduled port visit to enhance U.S.-Latvian relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure and prosperous Europe.
While in Latvia, Sailors of James E. Williams will participate in community relations projects and engage in friendly sporting events with Riga locals.
“I think being here is a great opportunity to enhance our relationship with Latvia,” said Cmdr. Allen Siegrist, commanding officer of James E. Williams. “As NATO allies, we share a commitment to promote peace and stability and seek opportunities to strengthen our maritime partnership.”
The ship’s presence in the Baltic Sea is a demonstration of our continued commitment to the collective security of the European region.
James E. Williams, home-ported in Norfolk, is on a routine deployment to 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, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.