The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) participated in a bilateral passing exercise (PASSEX), Dec. 11, with the Turkish Navy.
PASSEXs are conducted to improve maritime capabilities between the U.S. Navy and other naval forces. Gonzalez participated in various maneuvering formations and communication exercises with the Gabya class Frigate TCG Gökçeada (F-494).
Cmdr. Stefan Walch, USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) commanding office commented, “It was an opportunity to work with our NATO ally, and I am glad that we were able to conduct teamwork building events in support of maritime security with Turkey.”
The PASSEX helps develop understanding between the two naval forces and benefits both countries’ readiness and partnership for future operations.
Gonzalez, part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts that full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.