The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) departed Toulon, France, Feb. 3 after a scheduled port visit.

During the port visit in Toulon, Cmdr. Matthew Powel, commanding officer of Donald Cook, met with the Toulon's deputy mayor for defense matters and leadership from the French navy. The ship also provided tours to French sailors.

"Toulon was a great port visit," said Master Chief Petty Officer Jeremy Douglas, command master chief of Donald Cook. "The crew enjoyed the French culture and were very appreciative of our French hosts. We look forward to building on the relationships that were made."

Donald Cook is working with allies and regional partners to develop and improve maritime forces, maintain regional stability, and work towards mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe.

Donald Cook began their eighth forward-deployed naval forces patrol after departing Naval Station Rota Nov. 19, 2018. 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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