The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) returned to Naval Station Rota, Spain, after completing a four month patrol that began April 3, 2017.

Ross deployed in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to advance U.S. national interests to enhance regional security and stability, and to demonstrate a continued commitment to NATO under Operation Atlantic Resolve.

At the beginning of the ship's fifth forward-deployed patrol, Ross and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) conducted a cruise missile strike against Shayrat airfield in western Syria, April 7, 2017. Ross then continued on with routine operations in the Mediterranean Sea working with NATO allies and partners, including ten days of joint operations with French Cassard-class anti-air frigate Jean Bart, to maintain regional security and work toward mutual goals.

Ross transited the Atlantic Ocean during the second half of the patrol to operate in the North Sea. During this time, Ross visited Reykjavik, Iceland, Troms and Trondheim, Norway, and Rotterdam, Netherlands to strengthen U.S. partnerships and demonstrate enduring relationships and a shared commitment to safety and stability in the region.

Ross completed a rare "Blue Nose" naval line-crossing ceremony July 2, 2017, by entering into the Arctic Circle. The blue nose ceremony marked the first time Ross had ever crossed this geographic line.

Quote:
"We began this patrol racing across the Mediterranean to execute national tasking in Syria. We celebrated the 20th anniversary of Ross' commissioning, crossed the Arctic Circle for the first time, and completed several major certifications. I'm very proud of our crew for keeping Ross ready to respond to any mission at a minute's notice and for maintaining the highest levels of professionalism throughout our fifth patrol."
Cmdr. Bryan S. Gallo
Commanding Officer USS Ross (DDG 71)

Quick Facts:
* During patrol, Ross made port calls in Larnaca, Cyprus; Haifa, Israel; Reykjavik, Iceland; Troms, Norway; Trondheim, Norway; Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Souda Bay, Greece.
* Ross traveled more than 20,000 miles, received more than 7,500lbs of mail, used more than 2.3 million gallons of fuel, consumed more than 920 gallons of milk and 33,000 eggs, and purchased more than $1.9 million worth of vital mission-oriented supplies.
* Ross worked with allies and regional partners to help maintain regional security and work toward mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe.
* 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.

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