The press release from the US Embassy in Riga announcing the visit says the stopover is aimed at "promoting peace and stability in the Baltic region," adding that the ships will make their presence known "as part of an ongoing effort by NATO to strengthen ties with its allies and regional partners."
The Embassy also announced that on Saturday, sailors from the Vicksberg will participate in a promotional campaign to clean up and renovate a volleyball court at an orphanage in the city of Jurmala, about 15 kilometers northwest of Riga.
The US Navy also announced Friday that the USS Ross, a guided-missile destroyer, will be entering the Black Sea on Saturday, ostensibly to "promote peace and stability in the region."
Moscow has yet to comment on the NATO warships' port visit, but has repeatedly stressed in recent months that NATO's continuing expansion of its activities in Eastern Europe could further escalate tensions and undermine regional security.
