U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) returned to Naval Station Rota, Spain, July 12 after finishing its fourth forward-deployed patrol in support of ballistic missile defense of Europe.
Donald Cook began its fourth patrol March 14, and participated in seven international war-at-sea exercises with France, Turkey, Malta, and Sweden.
“As this patrol comes to an end, I continue to be amazed at the professionalism and resolve of our Sailors. I am proud of the Donald Cook team — they are true ambassadors to Europe,” said Cmdr. Timothy Moore , USS Donald Cook commanding officer.
Donald Cook conducted 10 port visits including Corfu, Greece; Souda Bay, Greece; Augusta Bay, Italy; Gdynia, Poland; Klaipeda, Lithuania; Riga, Latvia; Kiel, Germany; Gaeta, Italy; Haifa, Israel; and Piraeus, Greece.
Donald Cook took part in six ballistic missile defense exercises and completed two training and certification exercises, the U.S. Navy said.