The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) arrived in Riga for a scheduled port visit, April 19th.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) arrived in Riga for a scheduled port visit, April 19th.

"The Donald Cook will continue our Baltic Sea operations with a much awaited port visit to the city of Riga - the largest city we've been to on this patrol. The crew eagerly awaits the chance to explore this historic city and increase our bond with the people of Latvia."

- USS Donald Cook Command Master Chief Mark Schlosser

Quick Facts:

Strengthening alliances during the port visit to Riga demonstrates the shared commitment we have to promote safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance our interoperability with partners like Latvia.

Press conferences with local media will take place outside Riga's Mayor's office.

Cmdr. Charles Hampton, commanding officer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), will conduct office calls with local city officials.

Donald Cook will host a reception for U.S. Embassy and Latvian government officials.

Sailors will have the opportunity to participate in several community service events.

Donald Cook is currently on a forward-deployed patrol, working with allies and regional partners to help develop and improve our maritime forces, maintain regional security, and work towards mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe.

USS Donald Cook, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. The ship deployed from Naval Station Rota March 16, 2016.

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.

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