USS Ross Detaches from Charles de Gaulle Strike Group

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) detached from Charles de Gaulle Strike Group, Task Force (CTF) 473, after conducting operations in the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Ross had been integrated into CTF 473, a French led task force that includes British, Danish, French, and U.S. forces, since March 23, 2019.

Organized around the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and an embarked air group, this naval force is set to deploy to the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Asia-Pacific region. The integration of Allied nations’ warships into the strike group framework optimizes the Carrier Strike Group’s capabilities, as well as reinforces interoperability for future operations.

While integrated, Ross was primarily tasked with close escort duties ensuring safety of the aircraft carrier while operating in the Eastern Mediterranean. Additionally, Ross served as the Strike Group’s Air Defense Commander several times, tactically controlling the Strike Group’s air defense efforts.

“Our participation in the Charles de Gaulle Strike Group was beneficial on many levels,” said Cmdr. Dave Coles, commanding officer of USS Ross. “Not only did the Ross crew increase its level of tactical proficiency, but by improving the interoperability of the French, Danish, British, and American navies, we increase the lethality and effectiveness of our alliance.”

Ross, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting a routine patrol to support U.S. national security interests in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

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.