LIMASSOL, Cyprus –
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) departed Limassol, Cyprus, after a scheduled port visit Oct. 03, 2026.
Roosevelt Sailors had the opportunity to appreciate the country’s rich cultural heritage and explore the local community, including participation in the Cyprus Independence Day Parade celebrating the 66th anniversary of the country’s independence.
Capt. Kelechi Ndukwe, Commander, Task Force 65 and Destroyer Squadron 60, joined Roosevelt leadership for a shipboard reception and met with Lt. Gen. Neophytos Pachoulides, Cyprus deputy chief of defense; Commodore Nicolaus Luca, commander of the Cyprus Navy; John Breslow, U.S. ambassador to Cyprus; and members of the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia during the visit.
“The arrival of the USS Roosevelt in Limassol, particularly during our celebration of Cyprus’s 66th Independence Day, underscores the deep and growing security partnership between our two nations,” said Breslow. “By working together closely both at sea and ashore, the United States and the Republic of Cyprus continue to build a more secure, stable, and prosperous Eastern Mediterranean.”
As Cyprus marks this milestone, the United States looks forward to building on the achievements of the past year and deepening the two nations’ partnership in the years ahead.
“Operating in the Eastern Mediterranean requires reliable regional partners, and our time in Limassol directly strengthens that critical bond,” said Cmdr. R. J. DaPrato, commanding officer of Roosevelt. “This visit allowed our crew to engage closely with our Cypriot counterparts, reinforcing our shared capability to maintain maritime security and stability in these vital waters.”
Cyprus is a critical regional partner. Strengthening partnerships during the port visit builds enduring relationships and demonstrates a common commitment to ensuring maritime security and regional stability, shared by regional allies and partners.
Roosevelt is a forward-deployed naval asset assigned to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support the warfighting effectiveness, lethality and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and defend U.S., allied and partner interests in the region.
Commissioned in 2000, Roosevelt is the first ship named in honor of both President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, U.S. 6th Fleet conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, interagency and partner forces, to advance U.S. national interests and promote security and stability in Europe and Africa.
###
Source: www.c6f.navy.mil
