USS Vella Gulf Enters Varna Port, Bulgaria

Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) arrived in Varna, Bulgaria, for a scheduled port visit, May 30.

Vella Gulf’s presence in Bulgaria reaffirms the United States’ commitment to strengthening ties with NATO allies and partners, while working toward mutual goals of promoting peace and stability in the region.

“We are very excited to be able to visit Bulgaria,” said Capt. Robert Katz, commanding officer of USS Vella Gulf. “This visit gives us an outstanding opportunity to work closely with a valued partner and lay the groundwork for future operations between our Navies.”

Vella Gulf, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is deployed in a multi-mission role in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to contribute to regional maritime security, conduct bilateral and multilateral training missions, and to support NATO operations and deployments throughout the region.

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Press Release, June 02, 2014; Image: US Navy