The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Porter have arrived in the Georgian Black Sea town of Batumi earlier today.
Rear Admiral James Morley, Deputy Commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) said 'Georgia plays a critical role in maintaining security and stability in the Black Sea and is a valuable NATO partner'.
We look forward to further enhancing the relationship between NATO and our Georgian counterparts here in Batumi”, he said.
US Embassy has tweeted:
USS Mount Whitney and USS Porter Arrive in Batumi, Georgia https://t.co/e4ROOQS9Yy pic.twitter.com/f48NuuMztz
— U.S. Embassy Tbilisi (@usingeo) November 8, 2021
The port call is a demonstration of ‘an important relationship between NATO allies and vital Black Sea partner Georgia’, the United States Embassy to Georgia says, adding that Georgia has been ‘a consistent and steadfast partner in promoting peace and stability in the region’.
US Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT) and STRIKFORNATO personnel are embarked aboard Mount Whitney, operating as an integrated team.
Based on the US Embassy, the interoperability between the commands and their presence in the region, 'demonstrates the US and NATO’s commitment to the Black Sea and to working with allies and partners to advance peace and prosperity in the region'.