LARNACA, Cyprus –
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) arrived in Larnaca, Cyprus, for a scheduled port visit, Aug. 25, 2023. Roosevelt, forward-deployed to Naval Station Rota, Spain, is on her fifth Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol.
While in port Larnaca, the ship will onload stores and conduct routine maintenance. Additionally, the officers, chiefs, and ship’s crew will have an opportunity to enjoy liberty in the local area.
“This is my first time visiting Cyprus and I’ve already been impressed by the beauty of this country just after arriving in the harbor,” said QM3 Logan Lopez. “One of the best parts of being an FDNF Europe Sailor is the diversity in our patrols and all of the different places we get to see. Two weeks ago we were in Latvia and now we’re in Cyprus – these are places I never thought I’d visit and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”
Prior to arriving in Larnaca, Roosevelt transited eastward through the Strait of Gibraltar and across the Mediterranean to integrate with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. Roosevelt previously operated with the Strike Group in June, and will continue to support their operations in the coming weeks.
"We've spent much of this patrol so far in the Baltic Sea, but the Mediterranean is also vitally important to allied goals in the Sixth Fleet Area of Operations," said Cmdr. Jeffrey Chewning, Roosevelt’s Commanding Officer. “Cyprus is an important regional partner in ensuring maritime security in the Mediterranean and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to experience their culture ashore.”
Upon returning to sea, Roosevelt will continue her patrol in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility in support of U.S., allied, and partner interests to forge stronger networks with allies and partners in the region.
Roosevelt, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, began its fifth Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol June 27 in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.