The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) participated in a passing exercise (PASSEX) with ships from Turkey and Romania, Dec. 15.

The PASSEX was conducted in order to improve maritime capabilities between the U.S. and Black Sea naval forces.

Quote:

"Conducting this PASSEX with our Turkish and Romanian allies is an important part of our mission as a forward deployed naval force. This type of training is vital to enhancing our interoperability with allied nations as we work together in maintaining peace and stability in the Black Sea."

-Cmdr. Russell Caldwell, USS Ross (DDG 71) commanding officer

Quick Facts:

The participating nations engaged in advanced ship maneuvering and anti-submarine training exercises.

The U.S. Navy routinely operates ships in the Black Sea consistent with international law.

USS Ross (DDG 71), 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 that 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 http://www.navy.mil/.