Turkish ambassador visits frigate TCG Oruçreis at Norfolk

Türkiye’s Ambassador to the US, Sedat Önal, visited the Turkish frigate TCG Oruçreis during its port call at Naval Station Norfolk, where the vessel is participating in activities marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence. The frigate is in Norfolk from June 14 to 21 for Fleet Exercise FLEETEX‑250, a multinational naval exercise held in conjunction with the anniversary commemorations.

Meetings and briefings

During the visit, Önal met with senior Turkish and NATO naval officials, including Rear Admiral Baybars Küçükatay, commander of the Turkish Surface Action Group; Captain Kemal Varlı, commanding officer of TCG Oruçreis; and Commodore Maryla Ingham, commander of Standing NATO Maritime Group One. Önal also met Turkish naval personnel aboard the vessel and received briefings on the frigate’s operational activities and capabilities.

Multinational exercise

FLEETEX‑250 brings together 31 warships and multinational aircraft for advanced naval warfare training, aimed at enhancing interoperability, testing combat tactics, and strengthening joint operational capabilities, according to the US Navy. Türkiye’s participation underscores its commitment to transatlantic naval cooperation and its role as a key NATO ally. The frigate’s presence in Norfolk also symbolises the strong ties between Turkey and the US, particularly as both nations work to repair bilateral relations after years of tension over Syria, S‑400 missiles, and F‑35 programme disagreements.