Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) departed Riga for after a scheduled port visit, April 21.

Such port visits serve to enhance U.S.-Latvian relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure and prosperous region.

Quotes:
"The Donald Cook was greeted warmly by the people of Latvia and gave our Sailors the opportunity to experience their rich culture. Port visits like this are also a great way to show the United States' commitment to our allies in the Baltic and continue strengthening our interoperability between Navies."
- 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.

* Cmdr. Charles Hampton, commanding officer, Donald Cook, conducted office calls with local city officials.

* Donald Cook hosted a reception for United States embassy, foreign embassy and Latvian government officials.

* Sailors cleaned up nature trails as part of a community service event.

* 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 toward mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe.
* 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.

* 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/.