USS Porter conducts exercise with Tunisian Navy in Mediterranean Sea

US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) has conducted a passing exercise with Tunisian naval counterparts in the Mediterranean Sea.

As part of the exercise, Tunisian vessels OPV Jugurtha 610 and FPB Hamilcar 505 participated in tactical formation sailing. They also simulated replenishments-at-sea.

USS Porter recently participated in operations with partner nations in European seas.

Some of the operations conducted in April included at-sea training with the Romanian Navy in the Black Sea, as well as joint interoperability exercises with the Italian and French navies in the Mediterranean Sea.

In May, the vessel operated as part of a Surface Action Group with the Royal Navy in the High North and Barents Sea.

Forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, USS Porter is engaged in naval operations in the US 6th Fleet area of operations to support US national security interests in Europe and Africa.

Headquartered in Italy, the US 6th Fleet conducts operations with allied and interagency partners.

USS Porter commanding officer Commander Craig Trent said: “Porter is honoured to have this opportunity to train alongside our North African partners, as it enhances our tactical proficiency and collective capabilities.

“It’s important to maintain relationships with regional partners and allies to ensure the security and stability of the European and African theatres.”

The US Navy regularly conducts training with allies and partners to increase its capacity and capability and strengthen regional ties.

Separately, two US Navy aircraft carriers launched dual carrier flight operations in the Philippine Sea.

The exercise, involving USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) strike groups, aims to assert the US Navy’s capabilities to operate multiple carrier strike groups in close proximity.