Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus visited Sailors aboard USS Ross (DDG 71) during a scheduled port visit in Istanbul, Turkey, Nov. 11.
While in Istanbul the SECNAV met with the crew to thank them for a job well done on the ship’s first patrol as a forward-deployed BMD ship. The SECNAV emphasized that there is no better way for Sailors to honor the men and women who have served this nation, than to be forward deployed defending America and demonstrating our commitment to the collective security of our NATO allies.
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said:
The presence that Ross delivers in theater goes beyond their missile defense capabilities. This ship has performed a variety of other important missions, including participating in the Standing NATO Maritime Groups, as well as joining in naval exercises, in port visits, and maritime security cooperation activities.
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Press release, Image: US Navy