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News
NEWS | Sept. 10, 2020

USS Ross and P-8A Poseidon Conclude Operations in the Barents Sea with Norway and U.K.

By U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs

Ships and aircraft from the U.S. Navy, Royal Navy, and Royal Norwegian Navy concluded maritime security operations in the Barents Sea, Sept. 10, 2020.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) and a P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 joined Royal Navy frigate HMS Sutherland (F81), British Royal Fleet Auxiliary RFA Tidespring (A136) Tide-class replenishment tanker, and, Royal Norwegian frigate HNOMS Thor Heyersdahl (F 314) to demonstrate seamless integration among allies.

"When we sailed to the Barents with the Royal Navy this spring, we showed that we can operate there together whenever required," said Capt. Joseph A. Gagliano, Commander, Task Force 65. "Returning with them just months later shows that we are there to stay."

Together, the ships developed and honed international communications procedures, practiced joint maneuvering, and executed flight and air defense operations. These steady, recurring operations were enabled by the support of an unparalleled logistics system, which executed underway replenishments and demonstrated the group’s true interoperability.

“With each subsequent visit to the Arctic, our crews become more proficient in the High North environment, said Cmdr. John D. John, Ross’ commanding officer. “Ross’ crew worked with our partners to hone our collective skills, further developing our international tactics, techniques and procedures to ensure readiness and preparedness begin at the deck plates.”

The United States is an Arctic nation and has enduring security interests in the Arctic Region. We work with our Arctic and European partners to ensure an open Arctic by continuing to conduct land, air, and sea operations required for deterrence, presence, and Arctic security.

U.S. 6th Fleet forces deploy throughout the European and African theater and continue to operate above the Arctic Circle to support a secure and stable region, working cooperatively with other nations to address shared challenges. U.S. destroyers, based in Rota, Spain, support NATO’s integrated air missile defense architecture. These forward deployed naval forces-Europe ships have the flexibility to operate throughout the waters of Europe and Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic Circle demonstrating their mastery of the maritime domain.