USS Ross Arrives in Varna

VARNA, BULGARIA

02.27.2020

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrea Rumple 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Europe

VARNA, Bulgaria — The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) arrived in Varna, Bulgaria on February 27, 2020 for a scheduled port visit as part of continued Black Sea presence and support to regional partners by U.S. naval vessels.
After arriving in Varna, the ship will host local ranking officials in the Bulgarian Navy navy and Varna government. Ross will provide tours of the ship before a luncheon to discuss bilateral naval exercises. These operations support regional maritime stability, combined readiness, and naval capability with NATO allies and Black Sea partners.
The Commanding Officer of the USS Ross, Cmdr. John D. John, will visit the Varna city hall to meet with the mayor, followed by a visit to the area naval headquarters in order to conference with the Bulgarian Chief of Naval Operations.
“We are excited to join our partners in the Black Sea to demonstrate a continued resolve towards security and interoperability,” said Cmdr. John. “Ross’ return to Varna is also a great opportunity for the crew to experience Bulgarian culture.”
Ross is the first U.S. naval vessel to conduct operations in the Black Sea in 2020, following a visit in December 2019 earlier on her 9th patrol. The ship entered the Black Sea on February 23, 2020 to strengthen relationships with NATO allies and partners through joint exercises and to demonstrate the shared dedication to Black Sea security. Ross visited Varna, Bulgaria, last year in April.
The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea consistent with the Montreux Convention and international law.
Ross, forward-deployed at Naval Station Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations on a routine patrol in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

• Date Taken: 02.27.2020
• Date Posted: 03.01.2020 14:08
• Story ID: 364230
• Location: VARNA, BG