USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and a U.S. Navy P-3 Orion from Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 conducted an underway engagement with the Swedish Navy, April 22.

Training alongside partners such as Sweden allows for increased proficiencies across warfare areas as our two nations work toward a safe and prosperous Baltic region.

Quote:
"We are pleased to be conducting an exercise with our Swedish allies which will enhance interoperability between our Navies. Professional exercises between partners in the region, continue to promote a mutual commitment to regional and global security."

-Cmdr. Charles Hampton, commanding officer, USS Donald Cook

"The ability to execute anti-submarine warfare flight operations into the Baltic Sea from regional partner nations is crucial to maintaining theater security. Drills and exercises like this with our partners provide vital opportunities to increase our ASW expertise, improve allied naval interoperability, and refine our expeditionary capabilities. From our Polish hosts to Swedish naval units, this exercise has demonstrated the effective communication and cooperation within the region. It has been an honor to be a part such a successful team effort."

- Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Garcia, officer in charge and mission commander of (VP) 4 Combat Aircrew 11 (CAC-11)

"It's always great to travel and work alongside our Allied Partners. Our team is greatly appreciative of the support and new relationships that we have built with our Polish hosts. It has truly been a pleasure and we look forward to continuing to operate in the region."

- Senior Enlisted Leader, Chief Petty Officer (AWFC) Frank Wilson (VP) 4 Detachment

Quick Facts:

Donald Cook (DDG 75) and VP-4 conducted ASW training while in the Baltic Sea. Earlier today, Donald Cook first dropped an Expendable Mobile Underwater Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Target (EMATT) and began anti-submarine warfare exercises with a U.S. Navy P-3 Orion from Patrol Squadron (VP) 4.

Afterward, Donald Cook (DDG 75) and VP- 4 conducted serialized training events with Swedish armed forces in a number of warfare areas to include mine warfare and air defense.

Donald Cook and the Swedish navy practiced air defense tactics against a Swedish aircraft that simulated a threat air target and wrapped up with a maritime domain exercise that enhanced each nation's situational awareness of surface ships in the Baltic Sea.

VP-4 is forward-deployed to Sigonella, Italy, and is currently operating from Lansk, Poland, to assist in anti-submarine warfare training. The maritime security drills are meant to build interoperability and increase unit-level proficiencies in order to enhance maritime security of the Baltic Sea.

Donald Cook, a multi-mission destroyer forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, and is currently operating in the Baltic Sea as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve in order to assure allies of our shared commitment and to build interoperability toward peace and stability in the Baltic region.

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.

This press release was updated at 1732 CET to correct errors of fact. Changes were made to the Quick Facts section that distinguished the ASW serial event as being separate from the exercise conducted with the Swedish navy.

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