American Destroyer Visits UK

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) arrived in Plymouth, England for a scheduled port visit, April 12.

The port visit is designed to continue U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa’s efforts to strengthen maritime partnerships with European nations in order to enhance regional stability.

While in Plymouth, the ship will host a reception for local dignitaries and officials, while the crew will be have the opportunity to experience cultural attractions of Plymouth.

“Cole looks forward to this opportunity to strengthen our bonds with the United Kingdom,” said Cmdr. Dennis Farrell, USS Cole commanding officer. “This is an excellent chance to explore Plymouth and work with the Royal Navy, and my crew is very excited.”

Sailors of Cole are looking forward to the visit.

“I’m very excited to see the architecture of the buildings and try authentic British cuisine!” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Davida Friedman.

USS Cole, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is making the port visit to Plymouth following participation in the U.K.-led exercise in Exercise Joint Warrior 14-1. Joint Warrior is a multi-national exercise where maritime forces work together in a range of mission sets in order to improve interoperability and readiness to conduct combined operations.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full range of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in concert with coalition, joint, interagency, and other parties in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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Press Release, April 14, 2014; Image: US Navy