The Head of MIA Border Police, Major General Nikoloz Sharadze, hosted the Commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT), Vice Admiral Gene Black, along with the U.S. Delegation at the Joint Maritime Operations Centre (JMOC).

The Deputy Commander of the NATO Naval Striking and Support Forces, Rear Admiral James Morley, the Deputy Commander of the SIXTHFLT, Rear Admiral Anthony Carullo, and the Chief of Staff of the NATO Naval Striking and Support Forces, Brigadier General Marcus Annibale, also attended the meeting at JMOC.

Nikoloz Sharadze thanked the American guests for the visit and highlighted the successful cooperation between the MIA Border Police and the United States of America.

Official meetings were held with the commanders of the U.S. SIXTHFLT as a part of the visit of the USS Mount Whitney and USS Porter.

The members of the delegation also held working meetings at the Poti and Batumi Divisions of the MIA Coast Guard Department. The Director of the Coast Guard Department, CAPT Ramaz Papidze, hosted the guests.

The ships entered the Batumi port on November 8. The port visit highlights the important relations between NATO allies and Georgia, as a key partner in the Black Sea region. It also reaffirms the successful cooperation between the United States and Georgia and aims to strengthen maritime security, ensure the stability of U.S. regional partners, and increase maritime readiness and capabilities.

The U.S. ships USS Mount Whitney and USS Porter are operating in the SIXTHFLT area of operations. The SIXTHFLT, based in Naples, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations in concert with allies and partners to promote security and stability in Europe and Africa.