Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) returned to Naval Station Rota, Spain, after completing its third forward-deployed patrol in U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations March 21.

The ship deployed from Naval Station Rota Nov. 21 and conducted three port visits, two international exercises, one international passing exercise (PASSEX), and numerous ballistic missile defense exercises.

QUOTE:

"Ross is proud to complete our third ballistic missile defense patrol, which contributed to U.S. national security interests by operating forward in support of the U.S.'s commitment to the defense of Europe. We enjoy the opportunity to work alongside our NATO allies and partners in promoting international security and stability." - Cmdr. Russell Caldwell, USS Ross (DDG 71), commanding officer

"I am proud of the high level of focus and dedication to the mission the crew exhibited throughout the patrol, and we look forward to returning home to Rota to reunite with families and loved ones." - Cmdr. Bryan Gallo, USS Ross (DDG 71), executive officer

QUICK FACTS:

While on patrol, Ross performed ballistic missile defense and theater security cooperation missions, and conducted anti-submarine warfare exercises.

Ross entered the Black Sea Dec. 3 in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve and to demonstrate the United States' commitment to the collective security of its NATO allies and regional partners. Ross exited the Black Sea on Dec. 17, 2015.

Ross pulled into Varna, Bulgaria, Dec. 4 for a one-day port visit in an effort to strengthen ties while working toward mutual goals of promoting national security.

Ross participated in a passing exercise (PASSEX) Dec. 6 and Dec. 15 with ships from the Ukrainian, Romanian, and Turkish navies.

The PASSEX was conducted in order to strengthen maritime capabilities and increase war-fighting proficiency when operating in the Black Sea with allies' and partner nations' naval forces.

Many embarked Sailors achieved career milestones during the patrol. Among the accomplishments 42 Sailors advanced to the next rank and pay grade, 38 Sailors earned their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification, and two officers earned their Surface Warfare Officer qualifications.

Ross, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, conducted a routine patrol 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 interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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