USS Cole (DDG 67) to Enter Black Sea Today

USS Cole (DDG 67) will enter the Black Sea, Feb. 8, 2015, to promote peace and stability in the region.

Cole’s presence in the Black Sea will serve to reaffirm the U.S. dedication to commitment towards strengthening the partnerships and joint operational capabilities amongst U.S., NATO and regional Black Sea partners.

“The United States remains fully committed to our NATO Allies and regional partners throughout Europe. We maintain our ships and submarines deployed across the Mediterranean, north Atlantic and into the Black Sea. These deployments not only provide our crews the opportunity to train and exercise with our allies and partners at sea, they also make it possible to conduct port visits where we strengthen our relationship and mutual understanding,” stated Vice Adm. James Foggo, U.S. 6th Fleet co

Quick Facts:

The U.S. Navy routinely operates ships in the Black Sea consistent with the Montreux Convention and International Law.

Cole entered Black Sea in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. The United States continues to demonstrate its commitment to the collective security of our NATO allies and support for our partners in Europe, in light of the on-going Russian intervention in Ukraine. All DoD efforts in support of our NATO allies in Eastern Europe fall under the umbrella of Atlantic Resolve.

The U.S. has taken action, both bilaterally and through NATO, to demonstrate solidarity with our NATO allies and reassure them of our solemn commitment to their security and territorial integrity.

The U.S. remains committed to maintaining a persistent presence in Eastern Europe. We look forward to further commitments by our allies to ensure a coordinated and continuous land, air and sea presence in the region as part of the commitments made at the NATO Summit.

USS Cole (DDG 67), home ported in Norfolk, is on a routine patrol conducting naval operations with allies and partners in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in order to advance security and stability in the Black Sea region.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and 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