The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) began its previously announced southbound international straits transit of the Bosphorous, en route to the Mediterranean Sea March 1 after conducting maritime security operations in the Black Sea.

While in the Black Sea, the ship conducted operations at sea with the Turkish Navy and completed a port visit to Odesa, Ukraine in support of our NATO allies and regional partners.

“There is no substitute for the forward presence provided by USS Donald Cook and our other forward-deployed DDGs stationed in Rota,” said Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. “The multi-mission capability of these warships is essential to our ability to routinely train with our NATO and partner maritime forces and enhance our collective interoperability. This ensures U.S. 6th Fleet remains ready to support requirements across the full spectrum of maritime operations."

Donald Cook entered the Black Sea on Feb. 19, to strengthen interoperability with NATO allies and partners and demonstrate our collective resolve in the Black Sea.

Donald Cook is the third U.S. naval vessel to conduct operations in the Black Sea in 2019, marking the fourth U.S. ship to visit Odesa since January 2018. In January, Donald Cook and Fort McHenry conducted port visits to Georgia and Romania, respectively.

The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea consistent with international law, including the Montreux Convention.

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