Pentagon: U.S. Navy back in Black Sea

The U.S. Navy’s dock landing ship Fort McHenry pulled into the Romanian port of Constanta on Monday for what officials term a “routine port visit” after transiting the Dardanelles Strait from the Mediterranean Sea the day before.

“We routinely operate in the Black Sea consistent with international law and the Montreux Convention and will continue to do so,” Navy 6th Fleet spokesman Cmdr. Kyle Raines said.

Asked if the other ships would join the Fort McHenry in the Black Sea, Raines said only that they’re “underway in the Mediterranean conducting maritime security operations,” Navy Times reported.

“USS Fort McHenry’s transit into the Black Sea reaffirms our collective resolve to Black Sea security and enhances our strong relationships with our NATO allies and partners in the region,” said Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander of the U.S. 6th Fleet.