The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) departed the Black Sea, Dec. 17, after conducting operations with allies and partners.

Ross' operations in the Black Sea provided an opportunity to strengthen and build naval capabilities with allies and partners in the region.

Quote:

"Ross' operations in the Black Sea were a valuable opportunity to train and build stronger relationships with our allies. Our interoperability with our Black Sea partner nations is key in maintaining peace and stability in the region."

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

Quick Facts:

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 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 peace and stability between U.S. and Bulgaria.

Ross participated in passing exercises (PASSEX), Dec. 6 and Dec. 15, with ships from the Ukrainian, Romanian, and Turkish navies. The exercises were conducted in order to strengthen maritime capabilities and increase war-fighting proficiency when operating in the Black Sea with ally and partner nation naval forces.

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

USS Ross, 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.

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