USS STOUT to Make Port Call in Batumi (July 14, 2009)
On July 14, the USS Stout will make a port call in Georgia's port of Batumi. The USS STOUT and her crew will participate in combined training exercises with ships and Coast Guard of Georgia. US Navy regular visits to the Black Sea demonstrate the U.S. commitment to Black Sea regional stability and maritime security.
The USS Stout is the sixth ARLEIGH BURKE class guided missile destroyer and the first Navy ship named in honor of Rear Admiral Herald F. Stout (1903-1987) decorated with two Navy Crosses for heroism during World War II. The ship was commissioned on August 13, 1994. Her home port is Norfolk, Virginia.This visit is part of the overall US European Command and Commander, Naval Forces Europe and Sixth Fleet Theatre Security Cooperation strategy to enhance regional stability by strengthening maritime partnerships. Georgian officials and local residents will welcome the crew at Batumi pier. Members of the crew will participate in a community relations project in the city of Batumi. The USS STOUT will leave Batumi on July 17 and make another port call in Poti (July 17-19).