US Military Vessel Visits Georgia for Joint Drills
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Wednesday, January 23
The United States Ship (USS) Donald Cook (DDG 75) arrived in the Georgian coastal city of Batumi for a port visit on January 21 as part of a regularly scheduled deployment, the US Embassy to Georgia reported,
Donald Cook is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer commissioned in 1998.
This is the ship’s second visit to Georgia, while in the Black Sea the USS Donald Cook will operate in the Black Sea to conduct TSC (Theater Security Cooperation) engagements in support of USEUCOM and CNE-C6F (Commander, Naval Forces Europe – Commander, Sixth Fleet) Objectives.
“The ship’s operations are meant to enhance maritime security and stability, readiness, and naval capabilities of US regional partners,” the embassy says.
“Donald Cook entered the Black Sea to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to the collective defense of our NATO allies and partners. Strengthening alliances during the port visit to Batumi demonstrates the shared commitment between the United States and Georgia to promote safety and stability in the region while seeking opportunities to enhance cooperation between both countries,” the embassy added.
The embassy stated that in addition to the tours of the ship, a friendly soccer match between US sailors and the Georgian Coast Guard, and several joint training exercises will take place.
“The port visit also provides American sailors an opportunity to explore local historical sites and build lasting partnerships with their Georgian Coast Guard counterparts. The U.S. Navy routinely operates ships in the Black Sea consistent with the Montreux Convention and International Law,” the embassy statement reads.
The USS Donald Cook is commanded by CDR Matthew Powell, United States Navy, and has a crew of 306 sailors. The ship’s dimensions are as follows: length 505ft, beam 67ft, draft 32ft.
The ship will stay in Georgia until 25 January.
