US Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) returned to operations as part of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8 after departing Tromso, Norway, on June 13.
Bulkeley sailors spent four days in Tromso strengthening the partnership between the Norway and the United States.
“We talked about how long we’ve been in, and about their structure versus our structure – the differences and the similarities – and about their careers and our careers,” said Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class James Callahan.
“The building of friendships, the building of that relationship, even at the junior level, really helps that camaraderie,” said Callahan. “They can always think back and go ‘I remember this time with the Americans. I stood watch for them,’ and it’s just good to do that. I’ve done a lot of this type of stuff in my naval career, and this is honestly some of the most fun stuff; being able to just sit and swap stories.”
Additionally, several Bulkeley sailors donned red and white jerseys and scarves on June 11 in support of Tromso Idrettslag – Tromso’s very own professional football (soccer) club – as they were matched against Rosenborg Ballklub (RBK) from Trondheim, Norway.
Bulkeley is currently underway as part of a routine deployment. With U.S. Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as the flagship, deploying strike group units include staff, ships and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, as well as Sachsen-class German Frigate FGS Hessen (F 221).