Reception on USS Bulkeley in Batumi / Photos

On the evening of August 11, USS Bulkeley Commander Matt Phillips hosted a reception for Georgian political, military, and civic leaders on the USS Bulkeley, reported US Ambassador to Georgia .

USS Bulkeley arrives in Batumi

The reception provided an excellent opportunity to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to regional peace and security, demonstrate commitment to regional partnerships, and foster growing relationships. Reception was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Richard Norland. 

The evening capped a weekend of events for the U.S. Sailors, filled with memories of new Georgian friends, laughs, and a strengthened relationship between the United States and Georgia.

Right to left: Richard Norland, Bidzina Ivanishvili, Matt Phillips, Mikheil Saakashvili

Official Reception on the USS Bulkeley

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The USS Bulkeley arrives in Batumi, Georgia August 10, for a regularly scheduled port visit that will include combined training exercises with the Georgian Coast Guard. This visit serves to continue U.S. 6th Fleet efforts to build global maritime partnerships with Black Sea nations and improve maritime safety and security. U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Richard Norland and Defense Attache Colonel Matt Dimmick will visit the ship during its Batumi visit.

The USS Bulkeley is an Arleigh Burke class destroyer on active service in the United States Navy. She is named for Vice Admiral John D. Bulkeley, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient. Georgian officials and local residents will welcome the crew at Batumi pier and members of the crew will participate in a community relations project in the city of Batumi.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (6th Fleet) supports U.S. European Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the European and African regions.