HAIFA, Israel –
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) departed Haifa, Israel, March 27, 2018, after a scheduled port visit to enhance U.S.-Israeli relations as the two nations work together to strengthen regional security and stability.
The ship’s presence in the Mediterranean is a demonstration of our continued commitment to regional security.
“Haifa treated Donald Cook in an exemplary manner, with open arms to their culture, rich history, and great food,” said Cmdr. Kelley Jones, executive officer of Donald Cook. “The crew had an amazing time experiencing both the Dead Sea and Jerusalem. The hospitality was unmatched! We look forward to the last phase of Noble Dina and our next port visit back to Haifa.”
Strengthening partnerships during the port visit to Haifa demonstrates enduring relationships while seeking opportunities to enhance our interoperability.
While in port Donald Cook hosted ship tours and participated in a community relations project at the Arab-Jewish Community Garden and a basketball tournament with Leo Baeck’s Arab and Jewish basketball team at the Leo Baeck Sports Center March 26, 2018.
"It was an honor to be a part of project that transcends barriers in most communities,” said Lt. Ethan Everts, Donald Cook chaplain. “It did not matter their nationality or religion in this community. What mattered was a group of people coming together to better their neighborhood and to be unified as a people. Also, the hospitality shown to us was a testament of the love they have in their heart towards all people."
Recent U.S. Navy visits to Israel include the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) in November 2017, the America-class amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in October 2017, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) in August 2017, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in July 2017, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 79) in May 2017, the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in March 2017 and the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in March 2018.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.