The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) participated in a bilateral passing exercise (PASSEX) with ships from the Romanian, Turkish and Ukrainian Navies, Dec. 6.

The PASSEX was conducted in order to improve maritime capabilities between the U.S. and Black Sea naval forces.

Quote:

"I was very happy to support this recent PASSEX with our allies and partners. Operating in the Black Sea and working with our allies provides us with an excellent opportunity to strengthen and reaffirm our partnerships. I look forward to future PASSEX opportunities with partner nations in these waters." - Cmdr. Russell Caldwell, USS Ross (DDG 71) commanding officer

Facts:

The cooperating nations participated in advanced ship maneuvering; combined visit board, search and seizure training; and air defense exercises.

On Dec. 5, Ross departed Varna, Bulgaria, and conducted deck-landing qualifications with a Romanian IAR-330 Puma helicopter.

The U.S. Navy routinely operates ships in the Black Sea, consistent with international law.

USS Ross (DDG 71), forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on a routine patrol conducting naval operations with allies and partners in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, in order to advance security and stability in the Black Sea 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.

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