Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) and guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, for a regularly-scheduled port visit Oct. 17.
The visit serves to continue U.S. 6th Fleet efforts to build global maritime partnerships with European nations and improve maritime safety and security in the region.
“[U.S. Navy] ships go into Lisbon because of [Portugal’s] longstanding friendship with the U.S., ” said Capt. Logan Jones , commanding officer of Vicksburg. “[Vicksburg and Porter] Sailors gain an opportunity to learn about, and see, someone else’s homeland. [We also] have an opportunity to show the quality of our ships and our Sailors.”
While sightseeing will likely play a big role in Lisbon, it is not the sole purpose of the visit.
“While here, we want to make friends and strengthen the bonds between our two great nations and show our commitment to maritime security,” said Cmdr. Carl Brobst , executive officer of Vicksburg. “I want our Sailors out there building relationships through community relations projects. We’re here to absorb the culture, build community relations and contribute to the economy.”
Though U.S. Navy ships visit Lisbon, it is far from the most common European port.
“This will be my first time in Lisbon,” said Command Master Chief Robert W. Bostic , command master chief of Vicksburg. “It is a very unique port in that a lot of Sailors don’t get a chance to come here. There will be an opportunity for [Vicksburg and Porter Sailors] to see a lot with minimum travel.”
Vicksburg and Porter are conducting this port visit as part of a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
Vicksburg and Porter are deployed as part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, October 22, 2012; Image: US Navy