The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) departed Naval Station Rota, Spain resuming its eighth forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF) patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, Nov. 19, 2018.

Donald Cook was in Naval Station Rota for a training and maintenance availability (TRAV) period. While in port, the crew performed maintenance that was unable to be completed underway. In addition, inspectors from Afloat Training Group Norfolk embarked aboard Donald Cook to complete a mobility-seamanship inspection.

"TRAV gave us a great opportunity for some much needed holiday rest and relaxation," said Master Chief Petty Officer Jeremy Douglas, command master chief of Donald Cook. "It was great to be able to enjoy the holidays at home, while simultaneously completing necessary inspections and shipboard maintenance."

Donald Cook is a multi-mission surface combatant capable of conducting exercises and operations in areas such as anti-submarine warfare and ballistic missile defense. While on patrol, Donald Cook will engage with NATO allies and partners to reaffirm the United States commitment to strengthening ties, and to promote peace and stability in the region.

This is Donald Cook's eighth FDNF patrol since becoming forward-deployed in Naval Station Rota in February 2014.

While on patrol, Donald Cook is scheduled to conduct naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

U.S. 6th 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.

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