USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) Goes to Sweden

On February 16th, 2023, the USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) docked in Stockholm for a scheduled visit.

Arleigh Burke Sailors will be able to embark on a cultural journey while they are in Stockholm. Sailors will strengthen interpersonal relationships with the locals, learn about cultural heritage by visiting important landmarks, and explore the local area.

As a member of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) force, Arleigh Burke is not on its first but its third patrol in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations. In April 2021, Arleigh Burke joined the FDNF-E force to replace a similar ship, Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75).

Arleigh Burke began its operation in the Baltic Sea on Feb. 7, 2023. But the Journey began when they departed from their homeport of Naval Station Rota, Spain on Feb. 2, 2023

Upon ship departure Cmdr. Peter Flynn, commanding officer of Arleigh Burke, said, “The impact of the crew’s hard work during our in port period has been immediate,” he also stated, “We completed a rigorous training cycle and ship repairs before Patrol 3, and the crew is excelling.”

Arleigh Burke arrived in Stockholm with a mission, a recent bilateral ice diving exercise connecting U.S. Navy divers who are assigned to Commander Task Force (CTF) 68 and Swedish Armed Forces divers in Boden, Sweden. Stockholm played an important role last year as the host of the premier maritime-focused annual exercise in the region. This took place in June 2022.

It is because of port visits and opportunities to train together that show how the enduring bond between the United States and Sweden has remained thought out the years. Like-minded nations such as these two countries are committed to working together in the Baltic Sea to maintain regional security and stability.

Flynn said, “We look forward to expanding those efforts into integration with our NATO allies and European partners. We are excited to pull into Stockholm, Sweden, where the Swedish are generously hosting our ship and crew,” and also mentioned, “This is just the beginning of patrol 3, and we are excited to show everyone why we are America’s Lead Destroyer.”

From the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic Circle, the FDNF-E destroyers operate continuously, covering the waters of Europe and Africa, showcasing their expertise in the maritime domain.

Strategic alliances have been forged for over 80 years by the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF), in an effort to strengthen shared values to preserve stability and security.

NAVEUR-NAVAF, which is Headquartered in Naples, Italy, manages U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) as well as 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.

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