Two forward deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers got underway for regularly scheduled patrols from Rota, Spain in support of regional maritime security, March 22-23. After taking precautions to ensure the health and safety of their crews, USS Porter (DDG 78) and USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), departed on time from their forward deployed berths in Rota. After completing a weapons onload, Porter deployed on her 8th patrol from Rota; Donald Cook began her 10th patrol. While deployed to the waters around Europe and Africa, the ships will ensure freedom of navigation and serve as part of Europe’s comprehensive ballistic missile defense network.
Porter and Donald Cook comprise half of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe destroyers. USS Carney (DDG 64) and USS Ross (DDG 71) comprise the remainder of CTF 65/ DESRON 60. Carney is currently circumnavigating Africa and recently participated in a historic port visit to Cape Town, South Africa. Ross completed her 9th patrol March 14, after sailing as part of the Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group, Task Force (CTF) 473, and operating in the Black Sea with Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania.
On her last patrol in Oct 2019, Donald Cook operated above the Arctic Circle while conducting a routine maritime security patrol, monitoring Russian maritime activity and providing for the ballistic missile defense of Europe. SS Porter (DDG 78), Donald Cook (DDG 75) USS Carney (DDG 64) and USS Ross (DDG 71) demonstrate CTF 65’s ability to operate in any maritime environment from the Arctic to the Cape of Good Hope, engaging with our partners, building relationships, and refining our technical and tactical warfare abilities.
