The Russian Navy strengthens its ties with Algeria by participating in a joint naval exercise focusing on search and rescue operations. This was the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine that vessels of the Mediterranean task force participated in a joint naval exercise instead of watching NATO warships in the eastern Mediterranean.
The frigate Admiral Grigorovich completed her port visit to Algiers, having spent the period between 4 and 9 December in a joint naval exercise with the Algerian navy
The Buyan-M class corvette Orekhovo-Zuyevo once again set sail for sea, probably in response to Western warships operating in the Eastern Mediterranean. The vessel is accompanied by the Amur-class repair vessel PM-82 which is providing logistical support.
Meanwhile, a special group consisting of the Improved Kilo class submarine Ufa, the oil tanker Kama and the rescue tug Sergey Balk is heading for the Mediterranean. The submarine is destined for the Pacific Fleet and will cross the Mediterranean during its transit. All three ships were in the northern part of the English Channel on the morning of December 9.
On the US side, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), currently assigned to the carrier Gerald R. Ford's battle group, arrived in Souda Bay, Crete, for a regularly scheduled port visit on 10 December 2023.
According to a statement from the 6th Fleet: "The port visit provides an opportunity to further strengthen the United States' partnership with its NATO ally Greece and demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a stable, secure and prosperous Europe, while allowing Sailors aboard Arleigh Burke to experience Greece's rich history and culture.
"Arleigh Burke's hard-working Sailors always enjoy the opportunities for port visits to Souda Bay," said Cdr. Tyrchra Bowman, Arleigh Burke's Commanding Officer. "Greece has played a critical role in the NATO alliance since 1952 in maintaining collective security throughout the region. My team and I look forward to opportunities to train and continue to strengthen our maritime partnership together, as well as the opportunity to learn more about local history and culture."
The port visit also provides an opportunity for the crew to carry out short-term maintenance after a month underway across the Mediterranean."
Παράλληλα το αντιτορπιλικό κατευθυνόμενων πυραύλων κλάσης Arleigh Burke, USS Laboon (DDG 58), πέρασε από το Στενό του Γιβραλτάρ και μπήκε στη Μεσόγειο Θάλασσα για να διεξάγει επιχειρήσεις στην περιοχή επιχειρήσεων του έκτου στόλου των ΗΠΑ.
