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News
NEWS | Sept. 27, 2020

U.S. Navy Conducts Joint Operations with Royal Air Force in Black Sea

By U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

The Arleigh Burke-class, guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), conducted joint operations with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the Black Sea, Sept. 25, 2020.

 

Two Royal Air Force -Typhoon FGR4 fighters worked with Roosevelt to demonstrate combined air and maritime defense capabilities, ensuring security across the Black Sea. The two RAF fighters conducted 1-on-1 air intercepts and air refueling operations, while being controlled by Roosevelt air intercept controllers to provide safety of flight and maneuvering recommendations.

 

“Our operations with our British counterparts underscore the strength of our alliance,” said Cmdr. Ryan Kendall, Roosevelt's commanding officer.  “We will continue to operate together in the Black Sea and throughout Europe, reinforcing stability and prosperity of the NATO Alliance.”

 

The exercise continues the seamless high-end warfare operations between the two allied nations. Earlier this month, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) joined the British Royal Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Trent (P224) in the Eastern Mediterranean. In May, Roosevelt operated in the Barents Sea along-side Royal Navy Frigate HMS Kent (F 78). 

 

In Oct., U.S. Forces will participate in the semi-annual British naval exercise Joint Warrior. Additionally, Arleigh Burke-class, guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) is scheduled to deploy with The Royal Navy aircraft Carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (RO8).This continual cooperation ensures an unparalleled level of military operational cohesion.

 

Roosevelt, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national and NATO security interests in Europe and Africa.

 

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with joint, allied, and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.