ROTA, Spain – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) completed its Training Availability period in Rota, Spain, Sept. 9, 2019.
The ship conduted its damage control assessment while in port, which consisted of certifying the ship’s ability to combat fires, hazardous gas, and flooding. Donald Cook was also assessed on strike warfare, antisubmarine warfare, and logistics while in port.
“The crew worked very hard while being assessed,” said Cmdr. Kelley T. Jones, commanding officer of the ship. “It was important for us to finish the assessment so we could shift our focus to [Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST)].”
FOST is a major training evolution with the Royal Navy. Donald Cook is scheduled to participate in the evolution upon resuming its patrol.
“FOST will be an adventure for our Sailors,” said Command Master Chief Jeremy Douglas. “Some of us have participated before, but it’s going to be an excellent training opportunity for our newer Sailors.”
Donald Cook is on its ninth patrol in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. The ship’s forward presence in the Mediterranean Sea and its port visits in Haifa, Israel and Theoule-Sur-Mer, France contribute to regional stability and demonstrate the United States’ commitment to the collective security of the 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, security, and stability in Europe and Africa.