More than 40 military officials and distinguished guests attended a reception hosted by guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) during its scheduled port visit in Civitavecchia, Italy, April 4.
“While deployed, we have stood by the motto ‘liberty is a mission’, which means that even while in a foreign port, we are still representing the Navy and attempting to leave a positive impact wherever we go,” said Cmdr. Matthew Phillips, Bulkeley’s commanding officer. “I think tonight we can definitely say that we accomplished that mission.”
The reception comes a few days after Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus met with Chief of the Italian navy Vice Adm. Giuseppe Di Giorgi in Venice, Italy, to sign a Statement of Cooperation on the research and use of alternative fuels.
“It is important to take time out to nurture the sense of camaraderie with our NATO allies as often as possible,” said Phillips. “As a warship we are not only tasked with defending our country abroad, but also to be ambassadors to our partners.”
[mappress] Press Release, April 9, 2014; Image: Wikimedia