U.S. Destroyer Makes Port Call in Batumi, Georgia
Monday April 30, Ambassador John Tefft joined acting Prime Minister Giorgi Baramidze, Interior Minster Vano Merabishvili, and Batumi Mayor Irakli Tavartkiladze for a tour and reception on the destroyer USS The Sullivans. Representing the U.S. Navy was Rear Admiral Phillip Greene from Naval Forces Europe. Admiral Green flew to Georgia coincident with the Sullivan’s port call to stress the importance of Georgia’s improved NATO interoperability capabilities and emphasize the U.S. Navy’s increasing interest in Georgia-NATO cooperation for maritime security. Admiral Green is the first U.S. admiral to visit Georgia.
On May 1-2 the crew of the USS The SULLIVANS conducted combined training with the Georgian Navy in port and at sea. Training exercises focused on safety and security and included extinguishing fires and dealing with terrorism-related threats.
THE SULLIVANS (DDG-68) is named in honor of five brothers from Waterloo, Iowa who served together on the USS JUNEAU during World War II. The Sullivan brothers: George, 28; Francis, 27; Joseph, 24; Madison, 23; and Albert, 20; lost their lives during the Battle of Guadalcanal on November 13, 1942. They were adamant about serving together in spite of the Navy wartime policy to separate family members.
|
