USS Vella Gulf Arrives in Bulgaria

From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

VARNA, Bulgaria (NNS) -- 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."

While in Bulgaria, Vella Gulf Sailors will participate in community relations events at the Bulgarian Naval Academy and a local orphanage, visit the Bulgarian Naval Museum and tour the historic city of Varna.

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.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full range of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in concert with coalition, joint, interagency, and other partners in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.