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NEWS | Dec. 16, 2019

USS Ross Arrives in Romania

By Ensign Drake Davis

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) arrived in Constanta, Romania December 16th, 2019 for a scheduled port visit as part of their continued Black Sea presence and support to our regional partners.

While in port, Ross leadership will meet with officials from the Romanian Navy and local Constanta government to discuss matters of Black Sea security and maritime interoperability. Ross will provide tours of the ship before a luncheon in preparation for bilateral naval exercises. These operations enhance regional maritime stability, combined readiness and naval capability with our NATO allies and Black Sea partner.

The last ship to visit the Black Sea was USS Porter (DDG 78) in August. During its time in the Black Sea, the ship conducted scheduled port visits to Constanta, Romania; Varna, Bulgaria; and Golcuk, Turkey, to strengthen the U.S. relations with each nation. In July, USS Carney (DDG 64) participated in exercise Sea Breeze 2019 and conducted maritime interoperability training with Standing NATO Maritime Group Two. In April, USS Ross (DDG 71) conducted maritime training with Bulgaria and Georgia and a replenishment-at-sea with Turkey. In February, USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) conducted maritime interoperability training with the Turkish Yavuz-class frigate TS Fatih (F 242) and conducted a port visit to Odesa, Ukraine. In January, Donald Cook and USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) conducted port visits to Georgia and Romania, respectively.

“No nation can confront today’s challenges alone,” said Cmdr. Dave Coles, Ross’ commanding officer. “Ross’ port visit to Constanta is a testament to our continued commitment to regional maritime stability in the Black Sea. Additionally, Team Ross will get to the opportunity to experience the famously rich culture of Romania.”

The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea consistent with international law, including the Montreux Convention.

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.