USS Cole to Enter Black Sea

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

USS COLE, At Sea (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) will enter the Black Sea, Oct. 10, to promote peace and stability in the region.

The Cole's presence in the Black Sea will serve to reaffirm the United States' dedication and commitment toward strengthening the partnerships and joint operational capabilities among U.S., NATO, and regional Black Sea partners.

The ship is scheduled to conduct routine operations which include, combined training, maritime security operations, and theatre security cooperation events. These interactions among allies and partner nations reaffirm the maritime relationships and commitment to the security and stability within the Black Sea region.

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

The U.S. is demonstrating its continued commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of America's dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region, in light of the Russian intervention in Ukraine.

"Our presence in the Black Sea is meant to reassure and at the same time demonstrate our commitment to work closely with NATO allies in order to enhance maritime security, readiness, and naval capability," said Cmdr. Dennis Farrell, USS Cole commanding officer. "The relationships built during the coming weeks will strengthen and improve interoperability between allies as we all work together toward shared mutual goals."

Cole, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, is on a routine deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations and is a multi-mission ship able to provide offensive and defensive capabilities.

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.