The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) departed the Black Sea Feb. 22 after a series of engagements that promoted peace and stability in the region.
Cole’s presence in the Black Sea served to reaffirm U.S. commitment towards strengthening partnerships and joint operational capabilities amongst U.S., NATO and regional Black Sea partners.
Cmdr. James Quaresimo, USS Cole (DDG 67) commanding officer, said:
We were able to hold four successful underway engagements with our allies and that always goes a long way in helping maintain the situational awareness we’ve been able to establish in the area.
Cole entered the Black Sea in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, Feb. 8. During its time in the Black sea, Cole conducted several engagements and operations.
Cole conducted an underway engagement with Romanian navy ships ROS Marasesti (F 111) on Feb. 13, 2015, and ROS Regina Maria (F 222) on Feb. 19, 2015.
While in the Black Sea, Cole participated in an underway engagement with Turkish naval forces TCG Yildirim (F 243) and TCG Yildiray (S 350) on Feb. 21, 2015.
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Image: US Navy