VARNA, Bulgaria – USS Klakring welcomed Master Chief Petty Officer of the Bulgarian navy, Senior Chief Georgi Nikolov, during the ship's visit, March 20.
Klakring is in Varna to conduct diplomatic and military-to-military engagements with Bulgaria, a relationship between the Eastern European country and the United States which continues to develop.
The Bulgarian navy is restructuring its non-commissioned officer ranks: a process which, through the leadership of Senior Chief Nikolov, is helping the force to achieve its objectives of expanded interoperability with other nations.
During his time in the U.S. ship's Chief Petty Officer mess, Nikolov shared navy and family stories and spoke of his responsibilities as the senior enlisted Bulgarian navy sailor.
"The meeting was a terrific opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the scope and depth of Nikolov's responsibilities," commented Klakring Command Senior Chief Jeffrey Kirby.
Engagement is one way the United States continues to broaden its relations and interoperability with Bulgaria's maritime force. The experience left the ship's crew and their Bulgarian visitors with a greater understanding of the structure and skills of each other's Navy, as well as the challenges each is working to overcome.
According to Kirby, the bond between Navy chiefs extends far beyond national lines, "meeting chiefs from other navies provides our mess the opportunity to exchange fellowship and develop a stronger sense of pride and understanding in our sisters' and brothers' service around the world."
Klakring is currently on a scheduled six month deployment. She is assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron Fourteen and home ported in Mayport, Florida.