Embassy Press Release

U.S., Romanian Navy Bands Perform in Concert in Constanta

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Holmes,
Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe – Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs

CONSTANTA, Romania -- Musician 3rd Class Lindsey Tekverk dances with Romanian Navy Band Director Major Cornel Ignat during a joint concert by the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band and the Romanian Naval Academy Band here Nov. 3 at the Mircea Cel Batran Military Naval Academy. The performance was conducted during USS Mount Whitney’s four-day port visit, highlighted by the commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, Vice Adm. Bruce W. Clingan, meeting with Romanian Chief of Naval Forces Staff Dorin Danila to discuss ongoing Black Sea maritime partnerships. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Holmes

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U.S. Sixth Fleet meets with Romanian Naval Forces during USS Mount Whitney visit to Constanta

CONSTANTA, Romania – A joint concert by the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (CNE) Band and the Romanian Naval Academy Band was conducted here Nov. 3 at Mircea Cel Batran Military Naval Academy as part of a recent visit by USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20).

The commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, Vice Adm. Bruce W. Clingan, and Romanian Chief of Naval Forces Staff Rear Adm. Dorin Danila met during Mount Whitney’s visit to discuss ongoing Black Sea maritime partnerships. Both the official meetings and the joint concert were highlights of the U.S. Sixth Fleet flagship’s visit from Oct. 31- Nov. 4.

“The concert was a tremendous success, both for our side and for the Romanians,” said CNE Band Leading Chief Petty Officer, Musician Senior Chief Kenneth Keller.

"Music is an international language and, no matter what verbal language we speak, music is something that crosses all boundaries of race, religion, and ethnicity,” added Keller. “The potential impact we had on the future leaders of the Romanian Navy, in showing them how our bands worked together, will hopefully be a positive experience they carry into their careers.”

The two bands played for a crowd of more than 200 students and faculty members, including Romanian Naval Academy Midshipmen. But of all the guests present, one Constanta native stood out to Keller: his mother-in-law.

"The Romanian band director was nice enough to get her a pass on their base. She had never heard me perform before, so it was a special moment for her to be there and for her to be a part of it,” said Keller.

After the official concert ended, the CNE band was treated to a reception, which evolved into an impromptu jam session. As musicians from both countries joined in, the culmination of smiles, laughter and applause revealed new friendships through common bonds.

“It was a big pleasure to be together today and a big surprise for us,” said Romanian Navy Band Director Major Cornel Ignat. “My boys are very happy about what happened today, and we hope to repeat it very soon."

While it is unknown exactly when the two bands will have an opportunity to perform another joint concert, Keller said that he would like to see Romanian musicians become part of the CNE Band. The CNE Band not only has U.S. Navy and Marine members, but also currently hosts representatives from Greece, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Mount Whitney, which is home ported in Gaeta, Italy, is on a regularly scheduled deployment to the Black Sea and will host the 2nd annual Black Sea Partnership Cruise, a multinational event commencing Nov. 10. that is designed to strengthen ongoing partnerships and increase interoperability among Black Sea nations.

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