DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled

USS Donald Cook Departs Mayport for Deployment

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Carlos Vazquez II | NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (March 25, 2026) - Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile...... read more read more

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

03.25.2026

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet

MAYPORT, Fla. – Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) got underway from Naval Station Mayport March 25, 2026, to begin operations in support of its scheduled deployment.

The ship’s anticipated departure comes after months of training, maintenance, and certification events as part of the George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.

"The Donald Cook crew embodies their motto 'Faith Without Fear'," emphasized Capt. John Benfield, commodore of Destroyer Squadron 22. "They are trained, prepared, and ready to deploy."

Donald Cook, stationed in Mayport, Fla, with a crew of approximately 300 Sailors, is a multi-mission guided-missile destroyer with air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, naval surface fire support, and surface warfare capability.

“This deployment reflects months of relentless training and preparation by a truly exceptional crew,” said Cmdr. Sean Hanley, commanding officer of USS Donald Cook. “We are deeply grateful to our families and the Mayport community for their continued support as we head out to sea.”

USS Donald Cook’s keel was laid on July 9, 1996, at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. The ship is the 25th Destroyer of the Arleigh Burke class. She was launched and christened on May 3, 1997. The ship is named after Marine Colonel Donald G. Cook, a Prisoner of War during the Vietnam War and recipient of the Medal of Honor.

U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime ready forces to fight Donald Cook multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

For more U.S. 2nd Fleet news and photos, visit facebook.com/US2ndFleet, https://www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/, X - @US2ndFleet, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/commander-u-s-2nd-fleet.