FAROE ISLANDS –
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) hosted a reception in Runavik, Faroe Islands, Oct. 11, celebrating the U.S. Navy’s first visit to the islands in 33 years, and showcasing continued partnership with the Faroe Islands and the Kingdom of Denmark.
The reception celebrates the opportunity to create and enhance U.S relations with the Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The ship’s presence in the North Atlantic Ocean demonstrates mutual commitment to regional security and stability.
“It’s a pleasure to be here in the Faroe Islands, and I look forward to strengthening the longstanding relationships between the United States, the Kingdom of Denmark, and the Faroe Islands,” said Cmdr. Kelley T. Jones, commanding officer of the ship. “This may be the first time an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer has navigated these beautiful fjords, but it is certainly not the first time our nations have acted in close partnership. We have long enjoyed economic ties, military cooperation, and cultural connections. As members of NATO and as Arctic nations, we anticipate an even closer partnership between the U.S. and Denmark in the future – Donald Cook’s visit today is representative of our commitment to that partnership.”
During the reception, local visitors were given guided tours of the ship. They were shown the forecastle, aft missile deck, flight deck, mess decks and several other locations.
Donald Cook is currently deployed in support of U.S. national security interests in 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.