Porter Departs Norfolk to Join Forward Deployed Naval Force

From CNSL Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) departed Norfolk Naval Station for the last time, March 27, before being forward deployed to Rota, Spain.

Porter's crew of about 270 Sailors are scheduled to operate in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility prior to arrival in Rota. The ship will be the third of four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers deployed to Spain by the end of 2015.

"The crew has worked very hard to get to this point and they are excited about the opportunity to work with our foreign partners as well as experience various cultures with our homeport shift," said Cmdr. Blair Guy, Porter's commanding officer. "This is a significant opportunity for the ship and the crew and we are ready to meet all mission requirements."

Porter will join the guided-missile destroyers, USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and USS Ross (DDG 71), both of which transited to Spain last year. The fourth vessel, USS Carney (DDG 64), is slated to depart Mayport, Florida, for Rota in the fall.

Each ship is equipped to provide a mobile ballistic-missile defense for allies and partners in the European region. Missions will also include maritime security operations, cooperative training exercises and deployments.