The Turkish Navy in New York

TCG Oruçreis, attached to the Turkish Naval Forces Command, arrived in New York to participate in the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations following the FLEETEX-250 exercise hosted by the U.S. as part of its NATO Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG-1) mission. As part of the visit, organized at the invitation of Ship Commanding Officer Navy Staff Colonel Kemal Varlı, Turkish journalists toured the vessel and received information about its activities. One of the most modern warships in the Turkish Naval Forces inventory, TCG Oruçreis paid its first-ever port visit to the United States since entering service. Following its port call in Norfolk and participation in the FLEETEX-250 exercise, the ship anchored in New York on July 3.

Participated in the U.S. 250th Anniversary Celebrations

As part of the U.S. Independence Day celebrations on July 4, TCG Oruçreis took part in the International Naval Review-250 (INR-250) ceremonies alongside warships from other countries. During the events, which brought together naval units from around the world, the Turkish flag proudly flew over the Hudson River. After completing its program in New York, TCG Oruçreis is scheduled to depart for Dublin, Ireland, on July 8.

TCG Oruçreis Is One of the Turkish Navy's Most Important Warships

Commanding Officer of TCG Oruçreis, Navy Staff Colonel Kemal Varlı, highlighted the ship's capabilities and modernization process, saying:

"TCG Oruçreis is one of the Turkish Naval Forces' most important warships, representing our deterrence and operational strength in the Blue Homeland. What further enhances this value is the comprehensive modernization of the ship with indigenous and national defense technologies, making it suitable for the operational requirements of the future. Successfully completed in 2025, the Barbaros Mid-Life Upgrade (B-YÖM) has become one of the clearest indicators of the technological level achieved by the Turkish defense industry. Within the scope of the modernization, TCG Oruçreis was equipped with an advanced combat management system, next-generation radars, electronic warfare capabilities, sensors, communication infrastructure, and command-and-control systems, allowing it to be reconfigured in line with modern operational requirements. This comprehensive transformation, carried out with indigenous and national capabilities, significantly increased the ship's operational effectiveness while greatly reducing foreign dependency. This modernization is not merely a technical project extending the life of a warship; it is also a strong reflection of Türkiye's vision of independence in the defense industry."

Colonel Varlı also stated that TCG Oruçreis has successfully represented Türkiye within NATO missions, adding:

"As one of the distinguished assets of the Turkish Naval Forces, TCG Oruçreis is visiting New York City in the United States as part of its mission with NATO Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG-1). The visit has been planned within the framework of the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations and once again demonstrates Türkiye's active role within NATO and its contribution to international maritime security. Serving as an important element of NATO's maritime deterrence and collective defense activities, TCG Oruçreis successfully represents the Turkish Naval Forces' high operational capability, professionalism, and ability to conduct joint operations with allied forces."

The Turkish Flag Proudly Flies Across the Atlantic

Senior Chief Petty Officer (Electronics) Muhammed Salih Yarar also emphasized the importance of port visits in terms of military diplomacy.

In his statement, Yarar said:

"This visit to New York, one of the world's most important ports, not only increases the international visibility of the Turkish Naval Forces but also allows the glorious Turkish flag to fly proudly across the Atlantic. Port visits are of great importance not only in terms of military diplomacy but also for strengthening friendship, cooperation, and mutual trust. TCG Oruçreis taking part in this meaningful mission clearly demonstrates Türkiye's effectiveness at sea, its strong contribution to NATO, and the importance it attaches to global security. At the same time, this visit provides an important opportunity to showcase the discipline, maritime tradition, and institutional strength of the Turkish Naval Forces to the international community."

The Turkish Flag in New York

As part of the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations in New York, TCG Oruçreis represented Türkiye through both its NATO mission and military diplomacy activities. Flying the Turkish flag across the Atlantic, the ship also had the opportunity to demonstrate the level reached by the Turkish Naval Forces on the international stage with its modernized systems and operational capabilities.