#                                                                         USS Porter (DDG 78) arrives in Rostock, Germany                                                                    

##### by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sawyer Connally, USS Porter Public Affairs

02 March 2023
                The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Rostock, Germany for a scheduled port visit, March 2, 2023.                            230302-N-NO901-0002                            The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Rostock, Germany for a scheduled port visit, March 2, 2023.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sawyer ConnallyVIRIN: 230302-N-NO901-0002ROSTOCK, Germany - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Rostock, Germany for a scheduled port visit, March 2, 2023.

The ship’s presence in the Baltic Sea demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s continued commitment to security and stability in the region, and reinforces the strong bond between the United States and Germany.

During their time in Rostock, the crew will have the opportunity to experience the local culture of Rostock and form bonds with locals. Porter Sailors will also be able to take a daytrip to Berlin for a tour of historical sites in the city.

“We're always excited for the opportunity to strengthen the bonds among our NATO Allies,” said Cmdr. Joe Hamilton, Porter’s commanding officer. “Our crew is looking forward to experiencing the German culture, and further growing the trust and interoperability with our military friends.”

Prior to arriving in Rostock, Porter transited the Skagerrak, a strait connecting the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. The Skagerrak is approximately 150 miles long and requires increased, sustained vigilance from the crew throughout the transit.

"The crew continues to execute smoothly and professionally,” said Hamilton. “We consistently train on our skills as mariners and enjoy the opportunity to operate in the challenging environment the Danish Strait provides.”

Porter’s transit to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations comes months after a homeport shift from Naval Station Rota, Spain to Naval Station Norfolk in October 2022. Porter spent seven years in Spain as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe force, conducting eleven patrols in that time period. The patrols took Porter throughout the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, including the Baltic, North, Norwegian, and Mediterranean Seas, as well as the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, in support of U.S., allied, and partner interests.

“Porter performed expertly during eleven patrols in this area during its time homeported in Rota,” said Hamilton. “Our return brings with it confidence and dedication to the mission.”

For over 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with our allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

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**USS Porter**Germany**port visit**Destroyer