Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Johnny Garcia | MEDITERRANEAN SEA – (Feb. 10, 2026) Cmdr. Michael Schelcher the commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), right, shakes hands with Italian Navy Sailor Gabriele Morale, left, assigned to the Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) during a cross deck visit Feb. 10, 2026. Bulkeley is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support the warfighting effectiveness, lethality, and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and defend U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Johnny Garcia) see less
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USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) perform a cross-deck visit, Feb. 10, 2026
MEDITERRANEAN SEA – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) welcomed Italian Sailors assigned to the Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) for a cross deck visit, Feb. 10, 2026.
During the visit, Italian Sailors toured the Bulkeley while learning about the history and legacy of the ship.
“USS Bulkeley enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a cross deck evolution with ITS Fasan,” said Cmdr. Schelcher, commanding officer of the Bulkeley. “This allowed us to celebrate a successful week of NATO operations and allowed Sailors from both Navies to experience different cultures and build camaraderie with a valued ally.”
Bulkeley Sailors were happy at the opportunity to meet and interact with their Italian guests.
“It was great being able to meet our Italian counterparts, show off our crew, and learn from each other as we work together supporting the NATO mission in the East Med,” said Ens. Luca Greenspun, American tour guide for Fasan Sailors. “Sharing a meal with them was a great experience. It’s awesome because you get to see how similar we are, knowing each other on the human level and appreciating who we’re serving alongside with.”
During the evolution, Bulkeley Sailors also received the honor of touring the Fasan.
“The biggest thing I learned was we have a lot of similarities when it comes to training, knowing our jobs in rate, and what needs to be done to be mission ready,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class John Paul Necio, guest aboard Fasan. “It’s great because you realize we’re not alone in the region.”
Bulkeley hopes to continue conducting similar visits in the future.
“We hope to continue strengthening our ties with our NATO Allies and regional partners in the Mediterranean Sea, in support of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2,” said Schelcher. “Fasan’s excellence reflects credit upon the Marina Militare and our NATO Allies. USS Bulkeley looks forward to further interaction with ITS Fasan as we continue our patrol in the U.S Sixth Fleet area of operations.”
Bulkeley departed Naval Station Rota, Spain, Jan. 26, 2026, to begin its 5th patrol as one of the five Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Europe Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyers in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
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.
