U.S. Navy and Turkish Navy conduct joint exercises in the Black Sea.

According to a press release published by United States Department of Defense on February 10, 2021, 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), and two Turkish F-16 fighters alongside reconnaissance aircraft in the Black Sea.
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The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook DDG 75, sails behind the Turkish navy Yavuz-class TCG Turgutreis F-241, middle, the Turkish navy Barbaros-class frigate TCG Orucreis F-245, right, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter DDG 78 (Picture source: United States Department of Defense)

The U.S. Navy ships and aircraft joined the Turkish maritime forces in an integrated surface, air, subsurface warfare exercise. These maneuvers enhanced the tactical proficiency of the ships and aircraft through precision command and control and communication.

The four surface ships met in the Black Sea early in the morning to prepare for a full day of interoperability, demonstrating the U.S. Navy’s continued commitment to Turkey and NATO cooperation in the region.

First, two Turkish F-16 Fighting Falcons joined the U.S. and Turkish ships to perform an air defense exercise, where aircraft controllers onboard each ship strategically maneuvered the aircraft above. Next, the ships performed a series of tactical maneuvers, practicing precise communication and stationing skills. Finally, the group ended the day by deploying a simulated submarine and hunting for it. A U.S. P-8 Poseidon joined to practice cooperative Anti-Submarine warfare, in which surface ships utilize air assets to expand submarine searches.

The exercise provided operational proficiency in anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare in order to enhance overall multi-lateral operations among NATO Allies.

Donald Cook and Porter entered the Black Sea Jan. 23 and 28, respectively. The two Forward Deployed Naval Forces - Europe (FDNF-E) have operated in the Black Sea with USNS Laramie, and NATO Air Command aircraft E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS).

The U.S. Navy routinely exercises high-end warfare with NATO Allies and partners. The Turkish Navy is a professional and proficient maritime force that the U.S. Navy routinely works with to ensure regional stability and peace. Multinational training enhances interoperability, allowing us to maintain the vigilance necessary to promote a secure and prosperous region.