USS Forrest Sherman destroyer docks in Gdansk harbour

The US destroyer USS Forrest Sherman moored in Gdansk harbour on Sunday. “This is a routine visit to replenish supplies and rest the crew,” – Maritime agent handling the ship Michal Chernov said.

“The ship was manned by the pilot at 8:35 a.m., and at 10: 15 a.m. it moored in the Gdansk port at the Dworzec Drzewny wharf. This is a routine visit to replenish supplies and rest the crew” – transferred Michal Czernow, from Schultz Shipping Sp. z o.o. company, which exercises agency care over the ship.

The USS Forrest Sherman, a guided-missile destroyer of the ‘Arleigh Burke’ class, is carrying approx. 380 American soldiers.

Commander Matt Zublic of the US Navy told TVN24 in an interview that their goal is to establish a US presence in the Baltic Sea. “We also want to reassure our NATO allies that we are able to respond quickly to any potential aggression in the region,” – he explained. And he added that the crew “intends to assist the city of Gdansk in providing humanitarian assistance to refugees from Ukraine”.

In an interview with TVN24, US Navy representative Kathleen Barrios said that the crew is “very excited and looking forward to going ashore and exploring the city and learning about Polish culture and history over the next few days”.

Michal Czernow conveyed that this is the first time an American ship has docked in the port of Gdansk. “Until now, American ships have systematically entered Gdynia’s ports every few months,” he added.

The USS Forrest Sherman is equipped with various calibre guns and missile launchers. Its task is to conduct airspace defence, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare and strike operations.

The ships’ presence in the Baltic Sea is a demonstration of the U.S. Navy’s continued commitment to the collective defence of the European region and reinforces the strong and historic bond between the U.S. and Polish navies. Prior to pulling into port, USS Forrest Sherman conducted seamanship and navigation drills with USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), Polish Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate ORP General Kazimierz Pulaski (FFG 272) and Polish offshore patrol vessel ORP Skazak (241).

– Operating with our NATO Allies on the world stage, prior to pulling into the beautiful country of Poland, is what we are out here to do. Practising our navigation and manoeuvring skills allows us to train as we fight,” said Cmdr. Greg Page, commanding officer of Forrest Sherman. “This exercise allowed us to plan, integrate and operate the full range of activities we need for multi-ship coordination in a dynamic environment”.

The ship, as the agent informed, will leave the Gdañsk harbour on Wednesday. This will probably take place after 16:00.

Source: PortalMorski.pl