US Navy destroyer hosts Israel Defence Forces in Haifa

U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) arrived in Haifa, Israel, on May 7, for a scheduled port visit.

The ship’s crew hosted Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) representatives for a reception aboard the ship welcoming more than 90 host-nation guests including IDF Brig. Gen. Hadi Zilberman, head of Planning Division, and Rear Adm. Ido Ben Moshe, head of Naval Operations.

The Charge d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv, Ms. Leslie Tsou, was also in attendance.

“Our presence here is a demonstration of our partnership with Israel. Our crew understands the importance of our commitment to this region,” said Cmdr. Bryan S. Gallo, USS Ross commanding officer. “This is our fifth multi-mission patrol to the Eastern Mediterranean – we’ve operated very closely with the Israeli Navy, a very capable and professional force and we look forward to continuing to work with you in this area of operations.”

“We look forward to continuing the great collaboration we’ve had with your crew. We feel really secure that you are here in Haifa Port,” Israeli Navy Rear Adm. Ido Ben Moshe, head of Naval Operations, said.

U.S. Navy ships that previously visited Israel include San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde which recently visited Israel in March 2017, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook, which s visited Israel in June 2016.