U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa / U.S. 6th Fleet:

The U.S. Navy and NATO Air Command, conducted the first joint maritime and air training mission in the Black Sea for 2021, on Jan. 23, 2021.

The Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), one U.S. Navy P-8 Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft from VP-46 out of Sigonella, Italy, and NATO Air Command aircraft E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft based out of Geilenkirchen Air Base, Germany, participated in the training.

“Integrated maritime operations demonstrate our ability to seamlessly combine capabilities to provide multi-layered defense across all warfare domains,” said Vice Adm. Gene Black, Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet. “We operate in an incredibly complex security environment, which demands high-level cooperation and commitment to ensure regional stability.”

Donald Cook began her northbound transit from the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea on Jan. 23, to work with NATO Allies and partners in training missions throughout the region.

The training mission is part of an ongoing integration of air and maritime units throughout U.S. European Command area of operations. The ultimate goal is to refine joint air defense procedures to better defend U.S. Navy ships…

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