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NEWS | Oct. 2, 2020

USS Roosevelt Conducts Passing Exercise with Turkish Navy

By U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs

The Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) completed a series of passing and communication exercises (PASSEX) with the Turkish Navy, Oct. 1, 2020 in the Black Sea.

Roosevelt conducted a passing exercise with the Turkish Navy’s Barbaros-class frigate TCG Barbaros (F 244).  These maneuvers enhanced the tactical proficiency of both ships through precision ship handling and communication.

“Training together offers the invaluable opportunity to hone our warfighting skills, refine our joint coordination, and strengthen our professional relationships,” said Cmdr. Ryan Kendall, Roosevelt's commanding officer. “Today’s PASSEX demonstrates U.S. Navy’s commitment to remain an engaged, postured and ready force alongside our NATO partners.”                                                                

The Black Sea is a critical waterway for maritime commerce and stability throughout Europe. The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea to work with our NATO Allies and partners, including Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine.  It is in the world’s best interest to maintain a stable, prosperous Black Sea region and deter aggressive actors who seek destabilization for their own gain.

This is the sixth time a U.S. Navy ship has visited the Black Sea in 2020. The last ship to visit was USS Porter (DDG 78) in July during exercise Sea Breeze 2020. Roosevelt is focused on enhancing regional maritime stability, combined readiness, and naval capability.

Roosevelt is conducting its first forward-deployed naval patrol in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national and NATO security interests in Europe and Africa.

Four U.S. Navy destroyers, including Roosevelt are 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.