WINSTON S. CHURCHILL HOSTS DISTINGUISHED VISITORS DURING PORT STOP IN TALLINN, ESTONIA

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Evan Thompson | 180725-N-AV754-0263 TALLINN, Estonia (July 25, 2018) Cmdr. Thomas Van Scoten, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), speaks with Estonian Maj. Gen. Indrek Sirel, deputy commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, during a reception aboard the ship, July 25, 2018. Winston S. Churchill, homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Evan Thompson/Released)  

TALLINN, ESTONIA

07.25.2018

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Evan Thompson  

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Active)

TALLINN, Estonia – Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) hosted a reception aboard the ship during a scheduled port visit to Tallinn, Estonia, July 25, 2018.
Guests were offered a chance to tour various ship systems to learn more about the capabilities of the U.S. Navy from members of the crew. Guests included Meelis Oidsalu, undersecretary for Defence Planning for the Estonian Ministry of Defence, James D. Melville, Jr, U.S. Ambassador to Estonia, and Estonian Major General Indrek Sirel, deputy commander of the Estonian Defence Forces.
QUOTE:
“We were extremely pleased to welcome aboard allies with whom we share such a strong partnership,” said Cmdr. Thomas Van Scoten, commanding officer of the Winston S. Churchill. “It is crucial to continue relationships with our partners, as defense cooperation is a two-way street. We appreciate Estonia’s dedication as a steadfast ally and security contributor.”
QUICK FACTS:
- Strengthening alliances during the port visit to Tallinn demonstrates the shared commitment the U.S. has toward promoting safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance interoperability with its NATO allies and partners.
- Winston S. Churchill is currently operating in the Baltic Sea, working with allies and regional partners to help develop and improve our maritime forces, maintain regional security, and work towards mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe.
- Winston S. Churchill, homeported in Norfolk, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.
-U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

• Date Taken: 07.25.2018
• Date Posted: 07.31.2018 09:17
• Story ID: 286084
• Location: TALLINN, EE