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NEWS | March 11, 2022

Two U.S. Navy Destroyers Conduct Maritime Interoperability Exercise with German Frigate in the Baltic Sea

By Lt. j. g. Kathleen Barrios, USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) Public Affairs

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) and USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) conducted seamanship and navigation drills with the German Navy in the Baltic Sea, March 9.

The destroyers joined Sachsen-class air-defense frigate FGS Sachsen (F219) for division tactics, maneuvering drills, flight operations and communication exercises.

Sachsen is a highly advanced frigate with stealth features designed to deceive an opponent’s radar and acoustic sensors. This class incorporates an advanced multi-function and long-range radar, capable of detecting stealth aircraft and missiles.

“My team was excited to put our navigation and seamanship skills to the test while operating with FGS Sachsen,” said Cmdr. Greg Page, commanding officer of Forrest Sherman. “The bridge and combat teams worked in sync to provide seamless integration between the units. Operating together in the Baltic Sea was a great opportunity to continuing building the maritime strength of the NATO Alliance.”

The exercise provided the U.S. Navy ships an opportunity to practice integration with the German frigate by challenging the communications and coordination required to operate together. The ships exchanged signals to initiate tactical maneuvers while in close formation.

“Exercises with our NATO partners are a key component in demonstrating the Alliance’s resolve and commitment to overall readiness,” said Cmdr. Matthew Curnen, commanding officer of Donald Cook. “Having the agility and determination to efficiently operate with Allied naval forces–at any time in international waters–ensures that we can execute any tasking when called upon.”

U.S. Navy ships in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR) area of responsibility routinely operate in the international waters of the Baltic Sea to reassure our NATO Allies and Partners in the region. This reassurance demonstrates our shared commitment to maritime security. USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) and USS Donald Cook’s (DDG 75) operations in the Baltic Sea strengthen our enduring relationships to ensure a secure and prosperous Baltic region.

The NATO Alliance is postured to deter–and if required defend against–any threat to Alliance territory and populations. These exercises enhance the relationships and seamless interoperability between Allied navies.

Forrest Sherman and Donald Cook are deployed to the European theater and are participating in a range of maritime activities in support of U.S. Sixth Fleet and NATO Allies.

For over 70 years, U.S. Sixth Fleet forces have forged strategic relationships with our allies and partners and solidified a foundation of shared values, experiences and vision aimed at preserving security and stability.

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 interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.