Batumi to host Georgian-U.S. coast guard exercises
The U.S. Aegis guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf visits port of Batumi on Georgia's Black Sea on August 18-20 to hold joint exercises with the Georgian coast guard.
USS Vella Gulf is a guided missile cruiser of the Ticonderoga class, the U.S. Embassy in Georgia said.
"The Vella Gulf's visit reaffirms the United States' commitment to strengthening ties with NATO allies and partners like Georgia, while working toward mutual goals of promoting peace and stability in the Black Sea region," the embassy reports.
The embassy also said that in the activity zone of the U.S. 6th Fleet, the USS Vella Gulf plays a multi-faceted role in enhancing maritime security, participation in bilateral and multilateral exercises and supporting NATO operations in the region.