The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) conducted a three-day port visit in Constanta, Romania, June 18-20, 2021, as part of their mission to conduct presence operations in the Black Sea region and participate in the Romanian-led exercise Sea Shield 2021.
Sea Shield 21 is an annual Romanian-led multinational naval exercise in the Black Sea focused on enhancing interoperability between U.S. and participating nations, emphasizing anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare, and mine countermeasures mission sets.
“Our sailors continue executing at a high level to accomplish all tasking that is given to us, so it is great to reward them with well-deserved time off,” said Cmdr. Chuck Spivey, Laboon’s commanding officer. “Laboon’s visit further strengthens the strong relationship between the United States and NATO Allies and our continued operations together in support of security and stability in the 6th fleet AOR.”
USS Laboon is the fifth U.S. Navy ship to visit the Black Sea in 2021. In addition to U.S. Navy ship visits, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Hamilton (WMSL 753) departed the Black Sea May 14 following operations with Black Sea partner navies and coast guards in support of maritime security and law. Laboon’s time in the Black Sea is focused on enhancing regional maritime stability, combined readiness, and naval capability.
Maritime forces from Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Standing NATO Maritime Group TWO, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine are scheduled to participate in Sea Shield 2021.
USS Laboon is deployed as part of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG), supporting national security interests in Europe and increasing theatre cooperation and forward naval presence in the U.S. Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT) area of operations.
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