USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) entered the Black Sea on December 26 to promote peace and stability in the region, Digi24 informs, quoting the US Naval Forces.
Donald Cook’s presence in the Black Sea will serve to reaffirm the U.S. dedication to commitment towards strengthening the partnerships and joint operational capabilities amongst U.S., NATO and regional Black Sea partners, a release informed.
The U.S. Navy routinely operates ships in the Black Sea consistent with the Montreux Convention and International Law. This is the second time this year that Donald Cook has entered the Black Sea. The ship operated in the region from April 10 to 24, conducted a port visit in Romania and an underway engagement with USS Taylor (FFG 50) and Romanian navy ships, ROS Regina Maria (F 222) and ROS Marasesti (F 111).
Donald Cook entered Black Sea in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. The United States continues to demonstrate its commitment to the collective security of our NATO allies and support for our partners in Europe, in light of the on-going Russian intervention in Ukraine. All DoD efforts in support of our NATO allies in Eastern Europe fall under the umbrella of Atlantic Resolve.
The U.S. has taken action, both bilaterally and through NATO, to demonstrate solidarity with NATO allies.
USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on a routine patrol conducting naval operations with allies and partners in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in order to advance security and stability in the Black Sea region.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.