WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — While in Riga, the ship will host US embassy and Latvian government officials, while commanding officer Cmdr. Charles Hampton will conduct calls with local city officials, according to the US Navy.
"Strengthening alliances during the port visit to Riga demonstrates the shared commitment we have to promote safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance our interoperability with partners like Latvia," the statement said.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer was at the center of US media reports last week after two Russian Su-24 bomber jets flew close to the ship near a Russian base in the Baltic Sea.
The US 6th Fleet, based in Italy, conducts operations with allied, joint and interagency partners to advance US interests in Europe and Africa, according to the Navy.
