U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) returned to Naval Station Rota, Spain, after completing a four month patrol that began April 3, 2017.
At the beginning of the ship’s fifth forward-deployed patrol, Ross and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) conducted a cruise missile strike against Shayrat airfield in western Syria, April 7, 2017.
Ross then continued on with routine operations in the Mediterranean Sea working with NATO allies and partners, including ten days of joint operations with French Cassard-class anti-air frigate Jean Bart.
Ross transited the Atlantic Ocean during the second half of the patrol to operate in the North Sea. During this time, Ross visited Reykjavik, Iceland, Troms and Trondheim, Norway, and Rotterdam, Netherlands to strengthen U.S. partnerships and demonstrate enduring relationships and a shared commitment to safety and stability in the region.
Ross completed a rare “Blue Nose” naval line-crossing ceremony July 2, 2017, by entering into the Arctic Circle. The blue nose ceremony marked the first time Ross had ever crossed this geographic line.
“We began this patrol racing across the Mediterranean to execute national tasking in Syria,” Cmdr. Bryan S. Gallo, Commanding Officer USS Ross (DDG 71), said. “We celebrated the 20th anniversary of Ross’ commissioning, crossed the Arctic Circle for the first time, and completed several major certifications. I’m very proud of our crew for keeping Ross ready to respond to any mission at a minute’s notice and for maintaining the highest levels of professionalism throughout our fifth patrol.”