BALTIC SEA –
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) operated alongside the Polish Navy, Sept. 26, in the Baltic Sea.
Ross and Polish Navy frigate ORP General Kazimierz Pulalski (F272) conducted a series of maneuvering exercises, air and surface tactics, and data link exercises to improve joint interoperability.
“This exercise is a great opportunity to build partner capability and improve joint interoperability,” said Cmdr. John D. John, commanding officer of the Ross. “This also allows us to demonstrate our commitment and resolve to the Baltic region.”
Ross has conducted similar training scenarios with NATO allies while operating in the Baltic, including a recent passing exercise with both the Lithuanian Navy and Latvian Navy. U.S. Sixth Fleet forces frequently conduct these training exercises among partner countries to ensure readiness and ability to integrate with allies.
Ross, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, began its 10th Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol, Aug. 29 in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.
Ross is one of four U.S. Navy destroyers based in Rota, Spain, and assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 in support of 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.
U.S. Sixth 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 security interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.