The US Navy’s froward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) got underway from Spain, to start a patrol in the US 6th Fleet area of operations.
The destroyer’s seventh patrol started on March 12, as the ship and crew departed Naval Station Rota.
Donald Cook will be conducting routine operations in the US 6th Fleet and is scheduled to participate in multiple exercises while on patrol.
“I am extremely proud of our in-port accomplishments and maintaining operational readiness. We are grateful for the constant support from our maintenance and support teams,” said Donald Cook commanding officer Cmdr. Matthew Powel. “Most importantly, we are thankful for the time we had with our family and friends. Donald Cook is ready to respond to any and all fleet and national tasking.”
Donald Cook is one of four destroyers forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, which form a centerpiece of NATO’s ballistic missile defense (BMD) in addition to performing maritime security operations, training exercises and participation in the Standing NATO Maritime Groups.