USS Gravely (DDG 107) arrives in Gdynia, Poland
05 June 2022
GDYNIA, Poland -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) arrived in Gdynia, Poland, June 5, 2022, for a scheduled port visit to enhance the United States-Polish partnership and facilitate a robust, united, and fruitful NATO alliance.
The ship’s presence in the Baltic Sea demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s steadfast commitment to the collective defense of the region and reinforces the strong bond between the United States and our Polish allies.
During Gravely’s port visit in Gdynia, the ship and its crew expect to receive several distinguished guests and many various local and international media outlets for a tour and reception on the flight deck. This port visit also affords Gravely’s crew the chance to engage in several Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and Community Relations (COMREL) events, familiarizing Gravely Sailors with the many historical sites, rich culture, and citizens of Poland.
“We are honored to have the opportunity for our Sailors to experience this beautiful country and we appreciate the hospitality we have already seen from the people of Poland,” said Cmdr. Hunter Washburn, Gravely’s Commanding Officer. “As partners with Poland, we look forward to continued opportunities to operate together through exercises and events such as these as another step towards an even stronger partnership.”
Gravely deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations in late 2021 with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) carrier strike group. Since arriving in theater, the ship has participated in multiple passing exercises with NATO allies and partners. Gravely has also strengthened relations with many of these allies and partners through port visits like the one to Gdynia.
This strength of the U.S.-Polish relationship, especially in the maritime domain, centers on shared values and the two nations’ continued commitment to further enhancing relations and interoperability.
“The U.S. has fostered a diplomatic relationship with Poland for many years,” said Cmdr. Brian Sanchez, Gravely’s executive officer. “These types of visits create opportunities for stronger ties with our partners and allow our crew to experience the rich history of Poland.”
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-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.