US guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf heads to Black Sea

The US guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf is heading to the Black Sea, Commander of US Naval Forces Europe-Africa/US 6th Fleet said in a statement, according to RIA Novosti.

“Vella Gulf’s mission is to improve interoperability and work toward mutual goals, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to strengthening the collective security of NATO allies and partners in the region,” the statement reads, adding that the Ticonderoga-class cruiser will enter the Black Sea to promote peace and stability in the region.

Under the Montreux Convention, the warships of non-Black Sea Powers may stay in the sea for no longer than 21 days and their aggregate tonnage should not exceed 30,000 tons.

Earlier the USS Taylor violated the convention exceeding the limited time of deployment to the Black Sea by 11 days.