The Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyers USS Ross (DDG 71) and USS Porter (DDG 78) conducted a cruise missile strike against Shayrat airfield in western Syria April 7.

While operating in the Mediterranean Sea, the ships objectively coordinated flight paths in order strike targets simultaneously, launching a combined total of 59 Tomahawk land attack missiles into Syria.

"The Tomahawk missile strike carried out by USS Ross was an 'All Hands' effort," said Cmdr. David S. Coles, executive officer of Ross. "The success of this mission hinged upon our Sailors' excellent training, technical knowledge, and their outstanding attention to detail and dedication to our work. The Ross team's willingness and eagerness to respond at a moment's notice proved again what makes the United States Navy great. Our core values of: Honor. Courage. Commitment."

Ross, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, departed on its fifth forward-deployed patrol April 3 and is conducting routine patrols in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

"Serving in the forward-deployed naval forces Europe means that you're constantly ready to execute military operations across the entire spectrum of your ship's capabilities," said Cmdr. Andria Slough, commanding officer of Porter. "Precision doesn't happen overnight -- it takes 300 warriors sacrificing throughout a prolonged period to develop the kind of proficiency needed to be successful out here. This mission was the culmination of innumerable hours of maintenance, training and preparation from the entire crew, and we're honored to have answered our country's call to duty."

Porter, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, departed on its third forward-deployed patrol Nov. 30, 2016 and is conducting routine patrols in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

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 and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.