The U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) participated in a bilateral passing exercise (PASSEX) with ships from the Romanian, Turkish and Ukrainian Navies, Dec. 6.
The PASSEX was conducted in order to improve maritime capabilities between the U.S. and Black Sea naval forces.
The cooperating nations participated in advanced ship maneuvering and combined visit board, search and seizure training. The training also included air defense exercises.
On the previous day, December 5, Ross departed Varna, Bulgaria, and conducted deck-landing qualifications with a Romanian IAR-330 Puma helicopter.
Commander Russell Caldwell , USS Ross (DDG 71) commanding officer, said: “I was very happy to support this recent PASSEX with our allies and partners. Operating in the Black Sea and working with our allies provides us with an excellent opportunity to strengthen and reaffirm our partnerships. I look forward to future PASSEX opportunities with partner nations in these waters.”
[mappress mapid=”17501″]