USS McFaul (DDG 74) arrives in Rotterdam, Netherlands
14 November 2022
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) arrived in Rotterdam, Netherlands for a scheduled port visit, Nov. 12, 2022.
While in Rotterdam, the crew will have the chance to continue fostering the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and the Netherlands through visits to cultural and historical landmarks around the city.
“The Netherlands is one of our longest allies, so it is great to be back amongst friends. We are looking forward to enjoying the rich culture of Rotterdam during our visit,” said Cmdr. Antonia Shey, commanding officer of McFaul.
Rotterdam marks the first port visit for McFaul since operating in the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility. The Netherlands is one of the United States’ oldest allies with a strong relationship dating back to the American Revolution.
“The United States is committed to supporting regional stability and security with the Netherlands, one of our oldest allies, to ensure allied readiness and preparedness for any challenge,” said Capt. Jennifer Mills, Defense Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in the Hague.”
Mcfaul is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.
McFaul is assigned to the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG). The GRFCSG is currently participating in exercise Silent Wolverine alongside six NATO allies, including the Netherlands. Silent Wolverine is a U.S.-led, combined training exercise that tests Ford-class aircraft carrier capabilities through integrated high-end naval warfare scenarios in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Last month, GRFCSG trained with the Netherlands and other allies and partners to demonstrate air defense, anti-subsurface warfare, distributed maritime operations, mine countermeasures, and amphibious operations in the Western Atlantic Ocean.
GRFCSG consists of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, USS Normandy (CG 60), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.