Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) returned to Naval Station Rota, Spain, July 25, after completing her first patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
Donald Cook arrived on station in February, and departed Rota a month later to conduct naval operations with partners and allies in both the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea in order to advance security and stability in Europe.
While on patrol, Donald Cook performed numerous missions, including NATO missile defense and maritime security operations. The patrol also included engagements during port visits in Constanta, Romania, where the crew hosted Romanian President Traian Bsescu.
After departing Constanta, Donald Cook conducted a multilateral training exercise with the Romanian ships ROS Regina Maria (F 222) and ROS Marasesti (F 111), along with the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50).
Before her return to Rota, Donald Cook also conducted a port visit to Durres, Albania, where the crew conducted a maritime interdiction operations exchange with their counterparts from the Albanian navy, Border Police, and Customs Service aimed at improving regional cooperation and efforts between the two nations.