Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) arrived in Burgas, Bulgaria for a scheduled port visit July 8.
Vella Gulf’s presence in Bulgaria reaffirms the United States’ commitment to strengthening ties with NATO allies and partners, while working toward mutual goals of promoting peace and stability in the region.
Upon departure, Vella Gulf will participate in Exercise Breeze, a Bulgaria-led maritime training exercise spanning the full spectrum of naval warfare areas. The exercise is designed to enhance the operational and tactical interoperability between the Bulgarian naval units and the participating units from different countries and commands.
Vella Gulf, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, is conducting naval operations allies in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in order to advance security and stability in Europe.
[mappress] Press Release, July 09, 2014; Image: Wikimedia