MEDITERRANEAN SEA –
The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) returned to Naval Station Rota, Spain, July 10, 2018, after completing its seventh forward-deployed naval forces patrol.
While on patrol, Donald Cook participated in exercises Noble Dina, and Argonaut..
“I am extremely proud of the Donald Cook Sailors,” said Cmdr. Matt Powel, commanding officer of Donald Cook. “They successfully conducted events ranging from exercises to real world operations, having a profound effect on the tactical through strategic levels.”
Multinational exercises like the ones that Donald Cook participated in, demonstrate the commitment to regional stability and maritime security shared by the United States, its allies and partners.
“Our Sailors truly embody sustained superior performance at sea and were a fine representation of the United States Navy over the last 120 days,” said Powel.
During the patrol Donald Cook traveled 25,000 nautical miles, completed nine replenishments-at-sea and conducted port visits to Haifa, Israel; Larnaca, Cyprus; Souda Bay, Greece; and Menorca, Spain. While in port Sailors participated in three community relations events and hosted a reception to commemorate Adm. David Farragut.
"It is great to be home,” said Command Master Chief Jeremy Douglas, command master chief of the Donald Cook. “Donald Cook Sailors and families should be extremely proud of the crew's accomplishments this patrol. I am humbled by the toughness of this crew and appreciate the support of our families in maintaining the home front allowing us to contribute to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations."
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.