USS Donald Cook starts European patrol

US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) got underway from its forward-deployed homeport of Naval Station Rota, Spain, On November 19 to start its eighth patrol in the US 6th Fleet area of operations.

Donald Cook deployed two days after sister ship USS Carney (DDG 64) returned to Rota from the same tasking.

This will be Donald Cook’s eighth FDNF patrol since becoming forward-deployed in Naval Station Rota in February 2014. While on patrol, Donald Cook will engage with NATO allies and partners to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to strengthening ties, and to promote peace and stability in the region.

“The crew is excited and motivated to begin patrol number eight. We look forward to all the challenges and opportunities that go along with operating in the US 6th Fleet area of operations.”

Donald Cook is one of four US 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.