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Destroyer Squadron 60

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Destroyer Squadron 60
Destroyer Squadron 60 emblem
Active1940s,[1][2] 19 February 2003 – present[3]
Country United States
Branch United States Navy
TypeDestroyer squadron
RoleNaval surface/strike/anti-aircraft warfare, ballistic missile defense (BMD)
Part ofUnited States Sixth Fleet[3]
Garrison/HQNaval Station Rota, Spain[4]
Motto(s)In the Fight
Websitewww.surflant.usff.navy.mil/desron60/
Commanders
CommodoreCaptain Edward Sundberg 5 Aug 2022-Present[5]

Destroyer Squadron 60 (stylized DESRON 60 and Destroyer Squadron SIX ZERO) is a destroyer squadron of the United States Navy. Destroyer Squadron 60 is one of three U.S. Navy destroyer squadrons permanently based outside the continental United States.[6]

World War II

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During World War II, Destroyer Squadron 60 consisted two destroyer divisions, the 119th and 120th, under the overall command of Captain William L. Freseman.[1][2]

Destroyer Squadron 60, World War Two[1]
Destroyer Division 119 Destroyer Division 120
USS Meredith (DD-726) USS Cooper (DD-695)
USS O'Brien (DD-725) USS Ingraham (DD-694)
USS Laffey (DD-724) USS Moale (DD-693)
USS Walke (DD-723) USS Allen M. Sumner (DD-692)
USS Barton (DD-722), flag ——

Destroyer Squadron 60 was part of the naval force assigned to Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion of June 1944.[7] On 6 June 1944, the Meredith struck a mine, and after being towed to the Bay of the Seine, sank on 9 June 1944.[8] DESRON 60 subsequently was part of Task Force 129 which carried out the shore bombardment of the French seaport Cherbourg.[9]

Lingayen Gulf (9 January 1945)

During the Pacific War, Destroyer Squadron 60 initially participated in the Philippines campaign. The squadron was part of the escort screen for Task Group 78.3, the amphibious assault force that invaded Leyte in October 1944. The squadron also participated in the ensuing Battle of Ormoc Bay.[10] On 3 December 1944, during an attack on a Japanese convoy, the Cooper was torpedoed and sunk.[11] Destroyer Squadron 60 subsequently operated as part of the destroyer screen for Task Group 77.2, the Bombardment and Fire Support Group for the January 1945 Invasion of Lingayen Gulf (pictured).

Destroyer Squadron 60 next operated with Task Force 38, the U.S. Third Fleet's Fast Carrier Task Force. On 16–17 February 1945, TF-38 flew air strikes against the Japanese home islands, Bonin Islands, and Volcano Islands to prevent any reinforcements of the Japanese garrison on Iwo Jima. During this period, Barton and Ingraham collided, and Moale was detached to escort the two damaged destroyers back to Saipan for repairs.[12]

Destroyer Squadron 60 then operated off Okinawa during Operation Iceberg, with Destroyer Division 120 serving as the escort screen for Task Group 52.1, the escort carrier group providing carrier-based close air support to the Allied invasion force.[13][14] Three units of Destroyer Squadron 60 – Walke, Barton, and Allen M. Sumner – came under intense kamikaze attacks during the squadron's operations in the closing months of the Pacific War.[1]

Re-establishment 2003

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On 19 February 2003, Destroyer Squadron 60 was re-established as a permanently assigned, forward-based destroyer squadron staff. It was initially based in Gaeta, Italy, the headquarters of the United States Sixth Fleet.[3] At that time, the squadron's mission was described as to provide the Commander United States Sixth Fleet with a permanently assigned, forward-based destroyer squadron staff for the operational control over destroyers and frigates deployed to the Mediterranean Sea.[3]

Destroyer Squadron 60, Present day[15]
Destroyer Squadron 60
USS Porter (DDG-78)
USS Donald Cook (DDG-75)
USS Ross (DDG-71)
USS Carney (DDG-64)
USS Ramage (DDG-61)
USS Stout (DDG-55)

With the courtesy title of commodore, the commander of Destroyer Squadron 60 (COMDESRON 60) not only oversees U.S. 6th Fleet surface naval warfare operations in the Mediterranean Sea but also throughout Europe and Africa. The squadron commodore also additionally serves as the executive assistant to the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa as well as the NATO commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples for such exercises.[16] In the latter NATO role, Commodore James Aiken (pictured) acted as the exercise director for Exercise Sea Breeze 2014, the annual multinational maritime exercise held in the Black Sea involving Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, NATO member navies, and navies involved in the Partnership for Peace initiative.[17]

Commodore James Aiken, USN, COMDESRON 60 (8 September 2014)

Commander Destroyer Squadron 60 conducts combat and/or non-combat operations in his operational role as Commander Task Force 65 or as Sea Combat Commander, and when directed, as Maritime Interception Operations Commander. Depending on the missions to be undertaken, Task Force 65 employs surface warships, submarines, aircraft, SEAL teams, U.S. Marines, U.S. joint forces, and NATO forces assigned to the Sixth Fleet's area of operations to keep open the sea lines of communications throughout the U.S. European Command's area of responsibility.[3]

2013 saw two major changes on the command responsibilities for the squadron:

  • On 21 March 2013, the billet of Commander Destroyer Squadron 60 was renamed Commander Task Force 65, with Task Force 65 being the designation for the Sixth Fleet's surface combatant force.[4][18]
  • On 9 May 2013, Commander Destroyer Squadron 60 (COMDESRON 60) was formally re-established to provide type-command administrative oversight for those four BMD-capable destroyers assigned to the squadron.[4][19]

In this new "type" capacity, COMDESRON 60 supervises the training, readiness, maintenance, schedules, material, supply, discipline, and morale for those assigned BMD-capable destroyers.[4] Commander Destroyer Squadron 60 continues to command Task Force 65 in a "dual-hatted" role from two locations. The staff of Destroyer Squadron 60 is located in Rota, Spain and the staff of Task Force 65 is located in Naples, Italy. .[4][19]

Africa Partnership Station

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USS Fort McHenry – APS 2007

On 29 October 2007, the first Africa Partnership Station (APS) began under the command of Captain John Nowell, who was serving as Commander Destroyer Squadron 60 at the time. The APS task group, CTF-365, departed from Naples, Italy, with the dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) (pictured) serving as its flagship and accompanied by the high-speed support ship USS Swift (HSV-2). En route to the region, the Fort McHenry augmented its passenger list with specialists from France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain and officers from Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana. Denmark, Italy and Portugal were also provided military staff support. During its seven-month deployment, CTF-365 visited Senegal, Liberia, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Angola, and Sao Tome and Principe. Africa Partnership Station 2007 developed cooperative partnerships among the regional maritime services while improving safety and security for the host nations. APS 2007 also supported over 20 humanitarian assistance projects during this deployment.[20]

During her tour as Commander Destroyer Squadron 60, then-Captain Cynthia N. Thebaud commanded two multi-national African Partnership Station deployments that focused on maritime security capacity-building in West and Central Africa.[21]

Commander John D. Tolg, commanded the 2009 USNS SWIFT Africa Partnership Station (APS) to West Central Africa, the deployment focused on maritime security capacity-building in West and Central Africa while embarking over 100 international sailors from 7 countries for Visit Board and Search (VBSS) operations. The SWIFT visited 10 West Central Africa countries engaging with Heads of State, Ambassadors and Senior Military representatives.[22][23]

European Phased Adaptive Approach

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Porter (front) with (r-l) Donald Cook, Carney and Ross moored in Rota, Spain

On 5 October 2011, U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced that the United States Navy will station four Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System warships at Naval Station Rota, Spain, to strengthen its presence in the Mediterranean Sea and bolster the ballistic missile defense (BMD) of NATO as part of the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) missile defense program. On 16 February 2012, it was reported that the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers Donald Cook and Ross (pictured) will be relocated to Rota during Fiscal Year 2014, followed by Porter and Carney (pictured) in fiscal year 2015.[19] On 9 May 2013, Commander Destroyer Squadron 60 was formally designated to perform type-command administrative oversight for the four BMD-capable destroyers based at Rota, Spain.[4]

On 31 January 2014, the first BDM-arm destroyer, the Donald Cook, departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, for its new home-port of Rota, Spain.[24] On 3 June 2014, the next BDM-arm destroyer, the Ross, departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, for its new home-port of Rota, Spain, arriving on 16 June 2014.[25] The third destroyer, the Porter, joined Destroyer Squadron 60 on 30 April 2015.[26] The final destroyer, USS Carney, arrived at Rota, Spain, on 25 September 2016, completing the forward deployment of Destroyer Squadron 60 to the European Phased Adaptive Approach mission.[27]

2013 Ghouta chemical attack

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Ramage, Barry, and Stout conducting a replenishment-at-sea with Leroy Grumman (27 September 2013)

The U.S. Navy initially delayed the departure of the Aegis-equipped guided-missile destroyer Mahan from the U.S. Sixth Fleet amid allegations that the regime of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons during the ongoing Syrian civil war, including the gas attacks that occurred on 21 August 2013. Both the Mahan and its relief, the Ramage, remained in the Eastern Mediterranean with two other Aegis-equipped destroyers, the Barry and Gravely. All four destroyers are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles as well as launching land-attack Tomahawk cruise missiles.[28]

On 28 August 2013, the U.S. Navy announced that a fifth Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the USS Stout (DDG-55), was en route to join the other four Burke-class destroyers in the Eastern Mediterranean.[29] On 4 September 2013, the US Navy announced that USS Mahan had departed for its home-port of Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, leaving four Burke-class destroyers operating in the Eastern Mediterranean.[30] On 13 September 2013, the Mahan returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, completing an 8+12-month deployment with the U.S. Sixth Fleet.[31]

On 12 September 2013, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that the remaining four Burke-class destroyers will remain in the eastern Mediterranean as Russian and American diplomats negotiate the turn-over of Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons to the United Nations, with Pentagon spokesman George E. Little noting: "We have no plans at this time to change our military posture in the Mediterranean. We’re prepared for any potential military contingencies that might involve Syria."[32] On 31 October 2013, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons announced that all declared equipment and facilities related to Syria's chemical weapons production have been destroyed.[33]

2014 Black Sea incident

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Flyover of Russian Sukhoi Su-24

On 14 March 2014, Desron-60 guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) departed for its first patrol as a forward deployed naval vessel of the U.S. Sixth Fleet.[34] On 10 April 2014, Donald Cook entered the Black Sea.[35] A Department of Defense spokesman said the deployment of the Donald Cook to the Black Sea was "to reassure NATO allies and Black Sea partners of America’s commitment to strengthen and improve interoperability while working towards mutual goals in the region."[36]

On 12 April 2014, the Donald Cook was operating in the western Black Sea when a pair of unarmed Russian Su-24 Fencer attack aircraft enter the area. One Su-24 left its formation and began to fly closer to the Donald Cook. A total of twelves passes took place over a 90-minute period, and the Russian aircraft approached within about 1,000 yards of the Donald Cook.[37]

In the aftermath of this incident, Pentagon spokesman Colonel Warren stated: "This provocative and unprofessional Russian action is inconsistent with international protocols and previous agreements on the professional interaction between our militaries."[38] On 14 April 2014, the Donald Cook paid a port call at Constanța, Romania, which included a visit by Romanian president Traian Băsescu.[39] The Donald Cook conducted a multilateral training exercise with the Romanian warships Regina Maria and Mărășești, as well as the frigate Taylor.[40]

The Donald Cook departed the Black Sea on 24 April 2014.[41] After a port visit to Durres, Albania, and training with Albanian forces, the Donald Cook returned to Rota, Spain, on 25 July 2014, completing its first forward-based deployment.[40] Donald Cook's next Black Sea cruise, 28 December 2014 to 14 January 2015, transpired without incident.[42]

2015 Black Sea incident

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On 21 May 2015, the destroyer USS Ross (DDG-71) entered the Black Sea to conduct joint operations with NATO and regional navies as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.[43] On 25 May 2015, the Ross began a 3-day training exercise with the frigates Regina Maria and Mărășești of the Romanian Navy.[44]

Ross, front, with Hetman Sahaydachniy in the Black Sea (1 June 2015)

On 30 May 2015, the Ross was over-flown by Russian Su-24 Fencer aircraft while the ship was underway in the Black Sea.[45][46] In its 31 May 2015 press release, the U.S. Navy noted that:

Ross observed the routine flights of SU-24 aircraft and had no interaction while both operated in international waters. Ross continued on her mission after observing the aircraft return to base. At no time did Ross act aggressively nor did she deviate from her planned operations. The conduct of her crew has been and continues to be professional.[47]

On 1 June 2015, U.S. Defense Department spokesman Colonel Steven Warren, U.S. Army, further noted that the Russian military aircraft in the incident "were naked. In other words, no weapons aboard, no weapons on her wings."[45] Also on that date, the U.S. Navy released a video of the Russian aircraft overflight.[48] Finally, on this date, the Ross began a two-day naval exercise with the Ukrainian frigate Hetman Sahaydachniy (pictured). On 3 June 2015, the Ross departed the Black Sea, concluding an 11-day cruise.[44]

2015 NATO Exercise Sea Breeze

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The squadron's destroyer Porter entered the Black Sea on 5 July 2015 to join Dutch frigate Tromp, the Portuguese frigate D. Francisco de Almeida, and Spanish minesweeper Tajo for the NATO Exercise Sea Breeze 2015. The exercise was planned to include 30 ships and around 1,700 personnel from Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States, as well as NATO's Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2. Sea Brezze 2015 was scheduled to take place between 3–12 July 2015.[49]

2017 Attack on Shayrat Airfield

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On 7 April 2017, USS Ross (DDG-71) and USS Porter (DDG-78), from their positions in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, fired a total of 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles at specific military targets at the Shayrat airfield in Syria. The missile barrage was in response to the death of at least 80 civilians in the immediate aftermath of 4 April 2017, Khan Shaykhun chemical attack in Idlib province, an attack that the US government concluded was launched by the Syrian regime, from Shayrat.[50][51][52][53]

2018 Black Sea Operations

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On 16 February 2018, USS Ross (DDG-71) joined USS Carney (DDG-64) in the Black Sea near Russia for an "unspecified regional proactive presence mission". The move follows increased tensions between Russia and the U.S. after American federal prosecutors announced indictments against 13 Russian citizens for their alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. The destroyers also arrived in the Black Sea during the fourth anniversary of the 2014 Winter Olympics at Sochi, Russia. Speculation that successful hosting of the 2014 Winter Olympic games provided President Vladimir Putin with the nationalist support he needed to proceed with the forced annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.[54]

2020 Barents Sea Operations

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In late April 2020, the destroyers USS Donald Cook (DDG-75), USS Porter (DDG-78) and USS Roosevelt (DDG-80) operated with the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6), a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine, and a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft above the Arctic Circle after completing training together as part of the Submarine Command Course (SMCC) sponsored the Royal Navy. In May 2020, the three U.S. destroyers and the Supply operated in the Barents Sea with the British frigate HMS Kent (F78) to "assert freedom of navigation and demonstrate seamless integration among allies", the first such operation in this area since the 1980s.[55][56]

USS Porter overflown by two Romanian F-16 fighters in February 2021

2021 Black Sea Operations

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In February 2021, USS Porter (DDG-78) and USNS Laramie (T-AO-203) took part in maneuvering exercises with the Romanian frigate Mărășești and Romanian Air Forces F-16 fighters in the Black Sea.[57]

USS Porter (DDG-78) returned to the Black Sea in late 2021, and visited the port of Batumi in Georgia after participating in the United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa led Operation Castle Forge together with USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20). The two ships also participated in bilateral exercises with ships from the Bulgarian Navy and Turkish Navy as well as the Georgian Coast Guard. Previously, USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) also visited Batumi in February 2021.[58]

List of commanders

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No. Commodores Term
Portrait Name Took office Left office Term length
1
W.L. Freseman
Captain
W.L. Freseman
1 March 19442 April 19451 year, 32 days
2
Beverly Harrison
Captain
Beverly Harrison
2 April 19457 January 1946280 days
3
Rolor Taylor
Captain
Rolor Taylor
19 February 200315 April 20052 years, 55 days
4
Thomas Rowden
Captain
Thomas Rowden
15 April 200512 August 20061 year, 119 days
5
John Nowell
Captain
John Nowell
12 August 20061 August 20081 year, 355 days
6
Cynthia Thebaud
Captain
Cynthia Thebaud
1 August 200818 August 20102 years, 17 days
7
Dan Shaffer
Captain
Dan Shaffer
18 August 20103 August 20121 year, 351 days
8
John M. Esposito
Captain
John M. Esposito
3 August 201213 December 20131 year, 132 days
9
James Aiken
Captain
James Aiken
13 December 20133 August 20151 year, 233 days
10
Richard Dromerhauser
Captain
Richard Dromerhauser
3 August 20159 December 20161 year, 128 days
11
Tate Westbrook
Captain
Tate Westbrook
9 December 201629 March 20181 year, 110 days
12
Matthew Lehman
Captain
Matthew Lehman
29 March 20189 August 20191 year, 133 days
12
Joseph Gagliano
Captain
Joseph Gagliano
9 August 201910 August 20212 years, 1 day
12
Kyle Gantt
Captain
Kyle Gantt
10 August 20215 August 2022360 days
12
Edward Sundberg
Captain
Edward Sundberg
5 August 2022Incumbent2 years, 94 days

See also

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Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Destroyer Squadron (DesRon) 60". Destroyer History Home Page. Destroyer History Foundation. Retrieved 8 December 2015.
  2. ^ a b Roscoe. U.S. Destroyer Operations in WW2, pp. 361, 455.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Military Installations Guide 2.0 NSA Gaeta, Italy – re Destroyer Squadron 60". Archived from the original on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMANDER, DESTROYER SQUADRON SIX ZERO" (PDF). OPNAVNOTE 5400 Ser DNS-33/13U102244. United States Department of the Navy. 9 May 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  5. ^ "Task Force 65 and Destroyer Squadron 60 holds Change of Command ceremony". c6f.navy.mil. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa / U.S. 6th Fleet. 5 August 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  6. ^ "Gaeta-based Destroyer Squadron 60 small, but mighty". Stars and Stripes. 12 July 2003. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  7. ^ William B. Kirkland, Jr. (1994). "Destroyers at Normandy: Naval Gunfire Support at Omaha Beach". Naval Historical Foundation. Retrieved 27 August 2013.
  8. ^ "Meredith". DANFS.
  9. ^ U.S. Destroyer Operations in WW2, pp. 360–362.
  10. ^ Roscoe. U.S. Destroyer Operations in WW2, pp. 454–455.
  11. ^ "Cooper". DANFS.
  12. ^ "Moale". DANFS.
  13. ^ Roscoe. U.S. Destroyer Operations in WW2, p. 493.
  14. ^ Morison, Samuel Eliot (2012) [1960]. "Volume 14: Victory in the Pacific 1945". The History of United States Naval Operations in World War Two. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. p. 373. ISBN 978-1-5911-4579-0. Retrieved 10 September 2013.
  15. ^ "Destroyer Squadron 60". currentops.com.
  16. ^ "COMDESRON 60 Holds Change of Command". NNS120803-11. Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affair. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
  17. ^ "USS Ross Hosts Exercise Sea Breeze 2014 Opening Ceremony". NNS140908-06. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs. 8 September 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2015. and "Prepared Remarks: Commander, Destroyer Squadron 60, Commodore James Aiken on Exercise SEA BREEZE Opening Ceremony – aboard USS ROSS (DDG 71)". U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs. 8 September 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  18. ^ "RENAME COMMANDER, DESTROYER SQUADRON 60" (PDF). OPNAVNOTE 5400 Ser DNS-33/13U102231. U.S. Department of the Navy. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 12 October 2013. To approve renaming Commander, Destroyer Squadron 60 (COMDESRON 60), per reference (a).
  19. ^ a b c "Navy Names Forward Deployed Ships to Rota, Spain". NNS120216-15. U.S. Department of Defense. 16 February 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  20. ^ "U.S. Ship To Host Multinational Experts off African Coast". USINFO. U.S. Department of State. 9 November 2007. Retrieved 4 June 2015. and "John B. Nowell, Jr" (PDF). U.S. Department of Defense. 2008. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  21. ^ "Rear Admiral Cynthia N. Thebaud". United States Navy Briography. U.S. Navy. 7 August 2013. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  22. ^ "Liberian President Accepts Project Handclasp Donation from HVS Swift". dvidshub.net. 9 April 2009.
  23. ^ "Africa Partnership Station, Swift Return to Togo". globalsecurity.org. 26 August 2009.
  24. ^ "USS Donald Cook Departs Norfolk for Permanent Station in Rota, Spain". NNS140131-19. USS Donald Cook Public Affairs. 31 January 2014. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  25. ^ "USS Ross to be Forward Deployed to Rota, Spain". NNS140604-22. Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs. 4 June 2013. Retrieved 25 June 2013. and "USS Ross Arrives in Rota". NNS140616-08. Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs. 16 June 2014. Archived from the original on 20 April 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  26. ^ "USS Porter Arrives in Rota". NNS150430-14. Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs. 25 September 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2017. Guided missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG-64) arrived at Naval Station Rota, Spain on Friday completing the forward deployment of four ballistic missile defense (BMD) destroyers as part of the U.S. European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) to BMD.
  27. ^ "Destroyer USS Carney Arrives in Rota Completing European Ballistic Missile Defense Quartet". News Blog. United States Naval Institute. 30 April 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2015. Guided missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG-64) arrived at Naval Station Rota, Spain on Friday completing the forward deployment of four ballistic missile defense (BMD) destroyers as part of the U.S. European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) to BMD.
  28. ^ "U.S. and U.K. Move Ships Closer to Syria". USNI News. United States Naval Institute. 26 August 2013. Retrieved 26 August 2013.
  29. ^ "Official: 5th destroyer headed to the Med". Navy Times. 29 August 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  30. ^ "Destroyer USS Mahan Leaves Eastern Mediterranean". USNI News. United States Naval Institute. 4 September 2013. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
  31. ^ Ensign Alexander Washofsky, USN (14 September 2013). "USS Mahan Returns Home". NNS130914-04. USS Mahan Public Affairs. Retrieved 14 November 2013. The guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) returned to Naval Station Norfolk Sep. 13th after an eight-and a half-month deployment to the 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
  32. ^ "Pentagon: Destroyers to Stay Near Syria During Chemical Weapon Negotiations". USNI News. United States Naval Institute. 13 September 2013. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
  33. ^ "Syria has destroyed chemical weapons facilities, international inspectors say". The Washington Post. 31 October 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  34. ^ Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Edward Guttierrez III, USn (14 March 2014). "USS Donald Cook Begins First FDNF Patrol". Story 846. USS Donald Cook Public Affairs. Archived from the original on 20 April 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  35. ^ "USS Donald Cook to Enter Black Sea". NNS140409-01. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs. 16 April 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2013. The forward deployed guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) will enter the Black Sea to promote peace and stability in the region, April 10.
  36. ^ Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr., USA (14 April 2014). "USS Donald Cook Heads for Reassurance Mission in Black Sea". American Forces Press Service. Retrieved 16 April 2014. A Russian attack aircraft repeatedly flew near the USS Donald Cook in international waters in the Black Sea on April 12, a Pentagon spokesman said today.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  37. ^ Jim Garamone (14 April 2014). "Russian Aircraft Flies Near U.S. Navy Ship in Black Sea". NNS140414-25. American Forces Press Service. Retrieved 16 April 2014. A Russian attack aircraft repeatedly flew near the USS Donald Cook in international waters in the Black Sea on April 12, a Pentagon spokesman said today.
  38. ^ Jon Harper (14 April 2014). "Pentagon: Russian fighter flies provocatively close to USS Donald Cook". NNS140414-25. Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 16 April 2014. A Russian attack aircraft repeatedly flew near the USS Donald Cook in international waters in the Black Sea on April 12, a Pentagon spokesman said today.
  39. ^ "USS Donald Cook to Arrive in Romania for Port Visit". NNS140414-05. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2014. The forward deployed guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) is scheduled to arrive in Constanta, Romania to enhance multinational interoperability with NATO allies in region, April 14. and "USS Donald Cook Welcomes President of Romania". NNS140415-12. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs. 16 April 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2014. The forward deployed guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) welcomed aboard Romanian President Traian Basescu while the ship was in port in Constanta, April 14.
  40. ^ a b "Donald Cook Returns to Rota after First FDNF Patrol". NNS140725-04. Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs. 25 July 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  41. ^ "USS Donald Cook". History. USCarrier.net. 2 May 2014. Retrieved 5 May 2014. .
  42. ^ "2014-2015 operations". USS Donald Cook DDG-75. UScarriers.net. 27 April 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  43. ^ "USS Ross to Enter Black Sea". U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs. 1 June 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
  44. ^ a b LaGrone, Sam (3 June 2015). "USS Ross Leaves Black Sea". United States Naval Institute. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  45. ^ a b Shinkman, Paul D. (1 June 2015). "More 'Top Gun': Russian Jets Buzz U.S. Navy Destroyer in Black Sea". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
  46. ^ Bush, Jason (30 May 2015). "Russian aircraft head off U.S. destroyer in Black Sea – RIA". Reuters. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  47. ^ "US Navy Statement on USS Ross (DDG 71) Interaction with Russian Aircraft". U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs. 31 May 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
  48. ^ "Video of USS Ross Interaction with Russian Aircraft". U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs. 1 June 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
  49. ^ LaGrone, Sam (6 July 2015). "Four NATO Ships Enter Black Sea for Annual Exercise, Russian Activity on Rise in the Region". USNI News. United States Naval Institute. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  50. ^ Hennigan, W.J. & Wilkinson, Tracy (6 April 2017). "U.S. Launches Dozens of Missiles in Response to Chemical Weapons Attack". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 7 April 2017.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  51. ^ Gordon, Michael R., Cooper, Helene & Shear, Michael D. (6 April 2017). "Dozens of U.S. Missiles Hit Air Base in Syria". The New York Times. Retrieved 7 April 2017.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  52. ^ Phipps, Claire (6 April 2017). "Syria: US Launches 60 Missiles in Strike on Airbase near Homs". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  53. ^ Sopel, Jon & BBC Staff (6 April 2017). "Syria War: US Launches Missile Strikes in Response to Chemical 'Attack'". BBC News. Retrieved 7 April 2017. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  54. ^ "Two U.S. guided missile destroyers now operating in the Black Sea". usni.org. 18 February 2018. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  55. ^ "U.S., U.K. Surface Warships Patrol Barents Sea For First Time Since the 1980s". usni.org. 4 May 2020. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  56. ^ "U.S., U.K. Ships Operate in the Barents Sea". United States Navy. 4 May 2020. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  57. ^ "USS Porter Operates with Romanian Navy and Air Force". United States Navy. 19 February 2021.
  58. ^ "USS Mount Whitney and USS Porter Arrive in Batumi, Georgia". Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. 8 November 2021.

References

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Public Domain This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.

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