Port Visit Creates Good Vibes For All

Officers from The Sullivans had a chance to meet with the Commander in Chief of the Bulgarian Navy and several Bulgarian commanding officers for a traditional Bulgarian meal on the first day of visit.

The next day, The Sullivans crew, led by Lt.j.g. Angela Lefler, teamed up with the Bulgarian navy for damage control (DC) training and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training.

Officers and senior enlisted personnel from BCG Smeli came on board The Sullivans to participate in a classroom discussion regarding the destroyer's DC organization. This was followed by a tour of The Sullivan's DC spaces with demonstrations on the foc'sle. The demonstrations included running the P-100 pump and applying different pipe patches to a burst pipe mock-up.

VBSS training was conducted by Lt.j.g. Dale Liskey and Ensign Alejandro Leza. After a brief overview of risk assessment and strategy, The Sullivans' VBSS team demonstrated a topside sweep and noncompliant seizure of the bridge.

Fire Controlman 1st Class David Helmer, assigned to USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), paints a fence as part of a community relationÕs visit to a kindergarten in Varna, Bulgaria. Later, the children treated him and his shipmates to a display of traditional Bulgarian song and dance. The Sullivans, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer homeported in Mayport, Fla., has been forward deployed to the 6th Fleet area of responsibility since late November. MC1 Brian A. Goyak

The highlight of the port visit was the reception hosted on board the flight deck of USS The Sullivans. The United States Ambassador to Bulgaria, the Mayor of Varna, the CINC of the Bulgarian Navy, and several other distinguished guests were in attendance. Food and drinks were prepared by The Sullivans culinary specialists.

On the last day in port, Sailors from The Sullivans participated in two community relations projects at a local kindergarten. One group of Sailors performed outdoor maintenance. Another group interacted with the students in a question-and-answer session.

The ship's band, Keel Hauled, performed for their third time this deployment at a local establishment called the Euro Café. Many members of The Sullivans attended and had a great time.

USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team members exit the hatch leading to the ship's forecastle while Gunner's Mate Seaman Kenneth J. Verrette, acting as one of the opposing forces, hides against the bulkhead. The Sailors were participating in a Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO) drill. The Sullivans is currently conducting maritime safety and security operations with Turkey to strengthen the partnership between the two navies. MC1(AW) Brian A. Goyak