USS Fort McHenry Departs Constanta, Romania

By Ensign Laura Price, USS Fort McHenry Public Affairs

CONSTANTA, Romania (NNS) -- Dock-landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) departed Constanta, Romania following the completion of Exercise Summer Storm 2012, Aug. 19.

Summer Storm is a combined amphibious assault exercise by U.S. Marines from the Security Cooperation Task Force Africa Partnership Station 2012 and Romanian sailors from the 307th Naval Infantry.

The exercise is part of the U.S. Navy's wider goal of continued Black Sea security and cooperation in the region.

"The exercise was an outstanding training opportunity for both the Romanian and American forces," said U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Matt Tharp. "It offered an opportunity to conduct a combined arms amphibious assault on a large scale, and offered both services the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities."

During the exercise, U.S. and Romanian Marines and Sailors conducted explosive ordnance disposal and amphibious beach-landing training.

After the events, the Sailors and Marines enjoyed a chance to visit Constanta.

"We thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality and warmth of the Romanian people," said Cmdr. Eric Kellum, Fort McHenry's executive officer. "They have a rich and diverse culture."

This is the second time Summer Storm has taken place in Romania. The first exercise was in 2011.

Fort McHenry is currently deployed to 6th Fleet conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.