The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) arrived in Odesa, Ukraine, Feb. 25, 2019 for a scheduled port visit as part of our continued Black Sea presence and support to our region partners.
Since arriving in the Black Sea on Feb. 19, 2019, the ship’s crew conducted maritime interoperability training exercises with the Turkish navy. These operations enhance regional maritime stability, combined readiness and naval capability with our NATO allies and Black Sea partners. This is the fourth U.S. ship visit to Odesa since January 2018.
While in port, the ship will host local dignitaries and media for tours and engagements with crew, which will culminate with a reception.
Donald Cook is the third U.S. naval vessel to conduct operations in the Black Sea in 2019. The ship entered the Black Sea on Feb. 19, 2019 to strengthen interoperability with NATO allies and partners and demonstrate the collective resolve to Black Sea security. In January, Donald Cook and Fort McHenry conducted port visits to Georgia and Romania, respectively.
The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea consistent with the Montreux Convention and international law.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.