USS Donald Cook Executes Passing Exercise with Algerian Navy

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) executed a passing exercise with Algerian naval counterparts in the Mediterranean Sea March 7, 2019 following a port visit to Algiers, Algeria.

Donald Cook and the Algerian Adhafer-class corvette ANS El Fatih (922) participated in tactical formation sailing as well as a flag hoisting exercise and a simulated replenishment-at-sea.

"The Donald Cook team was thrilled to train at sea with the Algerian National Navy, and continues to build proficiency operating with forces from North Africa in support of regional security in the southern Mediterranean,” said Cmdr. Matthew Powel, commanding officer of Donald Cook.

U.S. Navy vessels routinely conduct training with allies and partners in order to increase capacity and capability as we work together to strengthen regional security and stability.

Donald Cook, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, deployed from Naval Station Rota on Nov. 19, 2018, marking its eighth forward-deployed naval forces patrol.

While on patrol, Donald Cook is scheduled to conduct naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

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.