The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) entered the Black Sea, July 7, to promote peace and stability in the region.
While in the Black Sea, Vella Gulf will conduct a port visit in Bulgaria, then head back out to sea to participate in the Bulgarian-led exercise Breeze; Romania, Italy, Turkey and Greece are also scheduled to participate in the exercise.
“Vella Gulf is excited to have the opportunity to operate once more in this vital area of the world,” said Vella Gulf’s Commanding Officer Capt. Robert Katz. “It is important to support and reassure our partners, we hope our presence in the Black Sea continues to strengthen those bonds.”
Vella Gulf’s presence in the Black Sea represents efforts by the United States to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening ties with NATO allies and partners, while working toward mutual goals of promoting peace and stability in the region.
[mappress] Press Release, July 08, 2014; Image: Wikimedia