US destroyer Donald Cook resumes European patrol

US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) departed Naval Station Rota, Spain resuming it’s eighth forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF) patrol in the US 6th Fleet area of operations, January 12.

Donald Cook was in Naval Station Rota for a training and maintenance availability (TRAV) period.

While in port, the crew performed maintenance that was unable to be completed underway. In addition, inspectors from Afloat Training Group Norfolk embarked aboard Donald Cook to complete a mobility-seamanship inspection.

The ship first deployed for the patrol in November 2018.

“TRAV gave us a great opportunity for some much needed holiday rest and relaxation,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Jeremy Douglas, command master chief of Donald Cook. “It was great to be able to enjoy the holidays at home, while simultaneously completing necessary inspections and shipboard maintenance.”

Donald Cook is a multi-mission surface combatant capable of conducting exercises and operations in areas such as anti-submarine warfare and ballistic missile defense. While on patrol, Donald Cook will engage with NATO allies and partners.

This is Donald Cook’s eighth FDNF patrol since becoming forward-deployed in Naval Station Rota in February 2014.