The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) executed a passing exercise (PASSEX) with Bulgarian naval counterparts in the Black Sea on 20th September, the U.S. Navy announced.
Roosevelt conducted the bilateral exercise off the coast of Varna, Bulgaria, with Bulgarian Navy Koni-class frigates BGS Smeli (F-11) and BGS Bodri (F-13).
The U.S. and Bulgarian naval forces that participated in the drill showed seasoned tactical preparation. The force also demonstrated excellent joint interactions and a unified sense of collaboration. U.S. Navy vessels routinely conduct training with allies and partners in order to increase capacity and capability as they work together to strengthen regional ties.
Roosevelt, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national and NATO security interests in Europe and Africa.