USS Cole, ROS Regina Maria Take Part in PASSEX

In another exercise aimed at improving maritime capabilities and reassuring NATO allies and regional partners of the United States’ commitment to the alliance and to maritime security and stability in the Black Sea region, US Navy’s USS Cole (DDG 67) engaged in training with the Romanian Navy.

USS Cole and and the Romanian navy ship ROS Regina Maria (F 222) conducted a series of division-tactic maneuvers directed by junior officers that allowed them the opportunity to learn and employ a variety of skills in an unfamiliar operating environment. The operation were conducted in the Black Sea, February 19.

Cmdr. James Quaresimo, USS Cole (DDG 67) commanding officer, said:

This is the third time we’ve had the opportunity to work with our Romanian allies and we are excited for another opportunity to improve relations and interoperability between our navies.

This is the third time during this deployment Cole has conducted a PASSEX in the Black Sea with Romania. The first PASSEX occurred on Oct. 23, 2014 and the second was Feb. 13, 2015.

USS Cole, homeported in Norfolk, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. The ship deployed from Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 22.

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Image: US Navy