U.S. and Ukrainian naval assets conduct joint ops in the Black Sea

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), conducted joint operations with Ukrainian Naval Forces in the Black Sea on 29th September, the US Navy announced.

Off the coast of Ukraine, Roosevelt, along with its embarked MH-60R helicopter, operated with three Ukrainian Navy vessels; the Gurza-M-class UKRS Kastopol (P 180), and UKRS Nikopol (P 176), and the Island-class patrol boat UKRS Starobilsk (P 191), as well as a Ukrainian Navy Mil MI-14 helicopter.

The passing exercise served as an opportunity for the U.S. and Ukrainian naval forces to refine ship handling and maneuvering capabilities. U.S. Navy vessels routinely conduct training with NATO Allies and partners in order to enhance collaboration and increase capacity in order to strengthen the regional maritime security.

The Black Sea is a critical waterway for maritime commerce and stability throughout Europe. The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea to work with our NATO Allies and partners, including Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine. It is in the world’s best interest to maintain a stable, prosperous Black Sea region and deter aggressive actors who seek destabilization for their own gain.

The ship’s operations in the region strengthens interoperability among NATO allies and partners and demonstrate collective resolve the security under Operation Atlantic Resolve.

This is the sixth time a U.S. Navy ship has visited the Black Sea in 2020. The last ship to visit was USS Porter (DDG 78) in July during exercise Sea Breeze 2020. Roosevelt is focused on enhancing regional maritime stability, combined readiness, and naval capability.

Joint training operations provide vital readiness opportunities for U.S. military forces and demonstrate our capability to integrate platforms across multiple domains with our NATO Allies and partners in the region.

The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea consistent with international law, including the Montreux Convention.

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