USS Fort McHenry departs Durres, Albania

Photo By Lt.Cmdr. Laura Price | A sailor from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2 stands watch as the landing craft prepares to enter the well of the amphibious dock-landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) following a boarding team demonstration with Albanian military personnel. Fort McHenry, homeported out of Little Creek, Va., is on a scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Durell Hill/Released)  

DURRES, ALBANIA

11.01.2012

Courtesy Story

U.S. Navy           

DURRES, Albania – The amphibious dock-landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) departed Durres following a five-day port visit, Nov. 1.

While in port, the ship hosted government and military officials from the United States and Albania, and also conducted joint training and operations with personnel from Albania’s boarding team.

“We have been able to conduct tours of scenic countryside, host senior military and civilian authorities aboard, participate in theater security cooperation events with the Albanian Coast Guard, Navy, border patrol and customs organizations, and our Marines participated in training exercises in Zall-Herr with the Albanian commandos,” said Cmdr. Eric Kellum, executive officer of Fort McHenry.

During the visit, the ship conducted a simulated boarding utilizing USS Fort McHenry’s small boat, and one of the embarked landing craft.

“It was a great learning experience to share with another country what we do as a boarding team,” said Chief Boatswain’s Mate Louis Peters. “Being able to share our training and knowledge with the Albanians was very exciting for our team.”

USS Fort McHenry also built ties with foreign nations through tours conducted onboard the ship. Officials from the U.S. Embassy and Albanian came aboard and learned a little about the ship’s mission and capabilities, and those of the embarked Security Cooperation Task Force.

“It has been truly an honor and privilege to visit Albania. To be here a month before their 100th year celebration of their Independence, makes the experience all the more exciting,” said Cmdr. Kellum. “Albania has an incredibly rich culture and extremely warm and friendly people.”

Fort McHenry, homeported out of Little Creek, Va., is on a scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of responsibility.

• Date Taken: 11.01.2012
• Date Posted: 11.02.2012 05:58
• Story ID: 97173
• Location: DURRES, AL