The Henry J. Kaiser-class underway replenishment oiler USNS Laramie (T-AO-203) transited into the Black Sea and rendezvoused with Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), Jan. 24, 2021. 

Laramie’s arrival in the Black Sea helps promote stability in the region by its ability to replenish ships at sea. Laramie’s refueling capabilities allows Donald Cook with extended time on station to continue operations in without having to go to port. It also allows NATO partners to refuel and extend their patrol time before returning to homeport. This is the first time this year that the U.S. Navy has sent multiple ships to the Black Sea.

"Our logistics capabilities are critical for forward operations in places like the Black Sea," said Capt. Joseph Gagliano, commander, Task Force 65. "Presence matters most when it is persistent, and refueling at sea makes that reality."

U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.