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In the Bosphorus, the American squadron destroyer "Nitze" with guided missiles of the "Arley Burke" class dropped anchor within the framework of a planned mission, reported the Anadolu Agency, quoted by BTA.
The destroyer Nitze is part of the USS George HW Bush aircraft carrier strike group operating in the US Sixth Fleet area of operations in defense of US, allied and partner interests.
In a statement to the media aboard the ship, which is docked in Norfolk, Virginia, US Ambassador to Turkey Jeff Flake described the arrival of the Nitze as a great demonstration of the partnership the US has with Turkey.
"These great NATO allies - the US and Turkey," he said.
Turkey will require insurance on all ships carrying oil products through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles
Commander Katie Jacobson also expressed her delight at being in Istanbul, calling Turkey "a very valuable NATO ally and maritime partner."
Introducing the ship, Lt. John Thompson said the Nitze can perform anti-aircraft, surface and underwater warfare.
The ship last saw active combat in 2016 in the Yemeni Civil War off the coast of Yemen against Houthi rebels, Thompson explained.
“Since then, however, we have done several peacekeeping missions.
And this mission here today is a field for security cooperation with our NATO allies.
So it's definitely a peaceful presence mission," he added.
There are nearly 340 sailors on board the destroyer Nitze, Thompson said, adding that the ship will leave Istanbul waters on Friday but will remain in the area for several more days.
According to the US Navy, the visit provides an opportunity to further strengthen the long-standing and vital partnership with Turkey.
"Turkey's joint operations with the US Navy in the Mediterranean strengthen NATO's power and improve interoperability.
The Mediterranean Sea is an extremely important waterway for maritime trade and stability across Europe.
US naval forces are routinely present in this region in close coordination with their regional allies and partners," the US Navy said.
Bosphorus
US destroyer squadron