MOMBASA, Kenya –
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) arrived in Mombasa, Kenya, for a scheduled port visit, Sept. 5.
The U.S. and Kenya maintain a strong, enduring security partnership. Both nations share common goals of ensuring regional stability and maritime security, and this visit underscores their continued cooperation.
“This visit reflects the practical strength of the U.S.-Kenya partnership and our long record of working together on shared regional interests,” said Susan M. Burns, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Kenya. “Our countries maintain established arrangements that enable logistical support for U.S. forces operating in the region, and port visits help sustain ship readiness while also creating opportunities for professional exchanges with our Kenyan partners.”
Access to regional ports such as Mombasa supports the U.S. Navy’s ability to sustain readiness, conduct routine logistics and resupply, and remain prepared to meet mission requirements. Port visits also create opportunities for engagement with local partners and support economic activity in the host community.
“Our Sailors have worked exceptionally hard throughout this deployment, executing with discipline and teamwork. This port visit provides a well-earned opportunity to rest, recharge and take pride in the professionalism they bring to every mission,” said Cmdr. Pia Chapman, commanding officer of Ross. “We are grateful to the people of Mombasa for welcoming us, and we value this opportunity to engage with the local community and our Kenyan maritime partners.”
Kenya is an annual participant in Exercise Cutlass Express, a U.S.-sponsored multinational maritime-security exercise in East Africa and the West Indian Ocean that builds our collective capacity to counter illicit sea-based activity. The U.S. is committed to working alongside Kenyan partners against shared threats, including al-Shabaab and ISIS.
Since April, Ross has been deployed in the U.S. Fifth Fleet Area of Operations, supporting Operation Epic Fury and the U.S. blockade against Iran.
Ross deployed in March of this year as a part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group. GHWBCSG consists of the flagship USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 embarked staff, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 with nine embarked aviation squadrons, USS Mason (DDG 87), and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 with two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, the Ross and USS Donald Cook (DDG 75).
Ross is operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, U.S. 6th Fleet conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, interagency and partner forces, to advance U.S. national interests and promote security and stability in Europe and Africa.