Donald Cook Arrives Aksaz, Turkey

AKSAZ, Turkey - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) entered Aksaz, Turkey, Oct. 30, 2015 for a scheduled port visit during exercise Dogu Akdeniz 2015. Exercise Dogu Akdeniz, which commenced Oct. 27 is a biennial, multi-national maritime exercise led and hosted by Turkey. Continue reading for some quick facts and additional links ...

FILE PHOTO | 151029-N-TC720-040 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Oct. 29, 2015) USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) conducts a full power run Oct. 29, 2015. Donald Cook, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, forward deployed to Rota, Spain is conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mat Murch/Released)

 

  Quote: “Donald Cook looks forward to another successful exercise with our close friends and strategic allies, The Turkish Navy.” “I have had the pleasure of visiting Turkey two times in the past and look forward to another great visit. We are dedicated to continuously developing our relationship and tactical proficiencies alongside the Turkish Navy. As a Rota-based ship, we have the opportunity to operate alongside Turkey year round, in both the Mediterranean and Black Seas.”

- Cmdr. Charles E. Hampton, commanding officer, USS Donald Cook

This is an exciting event for Donald Cook as we work with our Turkish Allies to promote peace and stability in the region. As with the recent [U.S.-Turkish] exercise conducted by USS Kearsarge, Dogu Akdeniz will flex our planning and operational capabilities and strengthen the professional and personal relationships of both Navies.

- Cmdr. Timothy C. Moore, executive officer, USS Donald Cook

Quick Facts:

• The exercise is meant to increase proficiencies in a number of warfare areas and increase interoperability between participating nations.

• Specific training includes anti-surface warfare, anti-subsurface warfare, anti-air warfare and basic seamanship.

• The exercise demonstrates the U.S. Navy's continued commitment to our relationship with Turkey and a secure and prosperous Europe.

• USS Donald Cook, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. The ship deployed from Naval Station Rota July 22, 2015.

• U.S. 6^th Fleet, headquarters in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint naval operations often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

Additional Links:

USS Donald Cook Departs Cyprus

USS Donald Cook Exits Black Sea