Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Donald Cook is participating in the naval drills
The U.S. Navy and Turkish Navy are conducting joint integrated surface, air, subsurface warfare exercises in the Black Sea.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), USS Porter (DDG 78), and a U.S. Navy P-8A from Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 participated in joint air and surface exercises with Turkish frigates TCG Orucreis (F 245) and TCG Turgutreis (F 241) February 9, 2021. Two Turkish F-16 fighters alongside reconnaissance aircraft also took part in the naval drills.
The Turkish F-16 Fighting Falcons joined the U.S. and Turkish ships to perform an air defense exercise first. Later, the ships performed a series of tactical maneuvers, practicing precise communication and stationing skills. On the final day, the group hunted for a simulated submarine.
A U.S. P-8 Poseidon joined to practice cooperative Anti-Submarine warfare, in which surface ships utilize air assets to expand submarine searches.
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey David Satterfield said the United States welcomed the “opportunity for American Navy ships USS Donald Cook and USS Porter to conduct exercises with the Turkish armed forces in the Black Sea.” As NATO Allies, “we share a commitment to peace and stability in Europe and the Middle East. Joint exercises build confidence, improve communications and reinforce our already strong security partnership in the Black Sea and the wider region” added.
Turkish defense ministry said that “The training conducted for the fundamental types of naval warfare has further strengthened cooperation between the Naval Forces of the two countries and has contributed to their interoperability.”
Vice Adm. Gene Black, commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, said that the U.S. considers Turkey “a highly valued ally and NATO maritime partner, whose joint operations with the U.S. Navy in the Black Sea reinforce the asymmetric advantage of the NATO Alliance,” adding that “Our ability to collaborate and operate together is based on the solidarity and strength of NATO, which enables stability in the maritime domain.”
The exercise provided operational proficiency in anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare in order to enhance overall multi-lateral operations among NATO allies, the U.S. Navy said.
“It was an honor and a pleasure to work with the Turkish Navy during today’s exercises,” said Cmdr. Matthew Curnen, commanding officer of Donald Cook. “Our Turkish counterparts are clearly well-trained professional mariners, and both sides gained valuable tactical experience in just a short time.”
