BARENTS SEA –
The Henry J. Kaiser-class underway replenishment oiler USNS Laramie (T-AO-203) rendezvoused with Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) in the Barents Sea, Oct. 22., 2020.
Laramie’s ability to replenish ships at sea provides Ross with an extended time on station, allowing continued operations in the Barents Sea without having to go to port.
"The U.S. Navy's logistics capabilities are key enablers for forward presence in places like the Barents Sea," said Capt. Joseph Gagliano, commander, Task Force 65. "Presence matters most when it is persistent, and our ability to refuel at sea makes that possible."
This is the third time this year that the U.S. Navy has sent multiple ships to the Barents Sea.
Prior to joining Ross in the Barents, Laramie provided underway refueling for French frigate FS Aquitaine (D-650) and Norwegian frigate HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl (F314) in the Norwegian Sea. These replenishment-at-sea opportunities in the high north allow our NATO allies to continue operating at sea.
The United States is an Arctic nation and has enduring security interests in the region. We work with our Allies and partners to ensure an open Arctic by continuing to conduct land, air, and sea operations required for deterrence, presence, and security.
U.S. Sixth 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.