USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) arrives in Copenhagen, Denmark

USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) arrives in Copenhagen, Denmark

by Ensign Karolyn Batista, USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) Public Affairs Officer

23 March 2024 COPENHAGEN, Denmark - USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) a cutting-edge Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer assigned to Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E), docked in Copenhagen, Denmark for a scheduled port visit, March 22, 2024.

This visit to Denmark underscores the U.S. Navy's commitment to fostering strong partnerships with NATO allies, bolstering maritime security, and promoting regional stability.

Cmdr. Corry Lougee, Commanding Officer of Paul Ignatius, expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, emphasizing the significance of the ship's presence in Copenhagen.

"It is a privilege to lead the exceptional crew of USS Paul Ignatius in our visit to Copenhagen," said Lougee. "This port call not only allows us to strengthen our bonds with our Danish partners but also provides a platform for us to showcase our ship's capabilities. We are proud to represent the U.S. Navy in Denmark and further our commitment to maritime security and cooperation."

The ship's visit to Copenhagen comes after the ship and crew participated in exercise Steadfast Defender, NATO's largest military exercise since the Cold War. Steadfast Defender took Paul Ignatius into the High North, including a scheduled port visit in the northern Norwegian city of Narvik, March 15. The ship's presence in the High North demonstrates the U.S. Navy's commitment to the region and underscores the versatility of the FDNF-E force.

USS Paul Ignatius, named in honor of Paul Ignatius, a distinguished public servant and World War II Navy veteran who served as the 59th Secretary of the Navy, is equipped with advanced technology and weaponry, enabling it to execute a wide array of missions, including anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare operations.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and 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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