WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The guided missile-destroyer returned to patrol after departing Spain on March 14. The US 6th Fleet, based in Italy, conducts operations with allied, joint and interagency partners to advance US interests in Europe and Africa, according to the Navy.
"Donald Cook’s forward presence in the 6th Fleet area of Operations, and the ship’s participation in theater exercises and port visits with allies and partners will contribute to [United States European Command] EUCOM’s overarching efforts toward regional stability," the press release stated.
Last week, Donald Cook made a port visit in Corfu, Greece, where Cmdr. Charles Hampton, met with local politicians and security officials to strengthen bilateral relations.
Donald Cook’s previous deployment included engagements with French, Turkish and Ukrainian naval forces and port visits to Bulgaria, Israel and Romania.
In May 2015, Russian Navy Su-24 jets forced the destroyer back into international waters after noticing it headed for Russian territory off the coast of the Crimean peninsula.
