Defense Media Network

USS Ross Conducts Bilateral Exercise With Turkish Navy

By U.S. Navy News Release - April 30, 2019

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) arrives at Souda Bay, Greece, for a scheduled port visit, April 12, 2019. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelly M. Agee/Released)

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) participated in maritime interoperability training and replenishment-at-sea with Turkish maritime counterparts April 27 in the Black Sea.

After receiving fuel from the Turkish Navy Akar-class replenishment oiler TCG Yarbay Kudret Gungor (A 595), Ross completed a series of tactical communications and maneuvering exercises with the Turkish Navy Yavuz-class frigate TGC Turgutreis (F-241) and a Turkish Maritime Patrol Aircraft before sailing in formation for a group photo exercise.

“It was an absolute pleasure operating with the Turkish Navy today,” Cmdr. Dave Coles, commanding officer of USS Ross, said. “They are steadfast and reliable partners who routinely operate with the utmost professionalism, and today was no different. It is imperative that we continue to hone our interoperability through exercises like these.”

The U.S. Navy routinely practices high-end warfare with allies and partners in the Black Sea.

Multinational training improves capabilities and operational effectiveness, thereby enhancing regional maritime stability, combined readiness and naval capability with our NATO allies and partners.

Ross, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, deployed from Naval Station Rota March 8 on its 8th forward-deployed naval forces patrol.

While on patrol, Ross is scheduled to conduct naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national 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 allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.