USS Porter arrives in Aksaz, Turkey for port visit, exercises

US Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Aksaz, Turkey for a port visit on January 1. 

Following the port visit, the Arleigh Burke-class ship is scheduled to take part in a joint exercise with the Turkish Navy and Air Force in the Mediterranean Sea.

Porter got underway from Spain on December 31 to begin its sixth forward-deployed naval forces patrol in the US 6th Fleet area of operations.

“The crew has been working very hard and this is a great opportunity for them to experience the cultural rich cities of Aksaz and Marmaris,” said Cmdr. Craig Trent, commanding officer of Porter. “What a great way to start the new year! We are looking forward to the hospitality and everything the cities have to offer.”

While on patrol, Porter will conduct naval operations in the US 6th Fleet area of operations in support of US national security interests in Europe.