Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) departed Portsmouth, England, after a regularly scheduled port visit Aug. 1.

This was the first port visit for Donald Cook Sailors on the ship's sixth forward-deployed patrol, and the first for midshipmen who are embarked for their summer cruise.

"It was a great port to visit and I feel very lucky to be able to visit another country; London was amazing," said Midshipman 1st Class Shae Timmons. "I also think this is a very special opportunity as a midshipman because we get to see and participate in a joint operation with the British."

Donald Cook is participating in exercise Saxon Warrior 2017, a United States and United Kingdom co-hosted exercise that focuses on the interoperability and robust training with key allies across the full spectrum of carrier strike group warfare areas.

"The crew of Donald Cook experienced a wonderful visit as we enjoyed the rich culture of the historic city of Portsmouth," said Cmdr. Timothy Moore, commanding officer of Donald Cook. "Sailors were able to fully refresh their batteries prior to participating in exercise Saxon Warrior; we will focus on the interoperability and robust, multi-warfare training with key allies."

Saxon Warrior employs units from both the United States and the United Kingdom, some of which are elements from the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group and the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group. Germany, Norway and Sweden are also participating, utilizing ships aircraft and personnel.

The U.S. is committed to working closely with NATO and partner nations as well as the international community to strengthen proficiency in the conduct of maritime operations by providing credible and capable naval force.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

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