U.S. Navy and Royal Air Force conduct joint operations in the Black Sea

Black Sea
Photo Courtesy: US Navy

The Arleigh Burke-class, guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), conducted joint operations with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the Black Sea on 25th September, the US Navy announced.

Two Royal Air Force -Typhoon FGR4 fighters worked with Roosevelt to demonstrate combined air and maritime defense capabilities, ensuring security across the Black Sea. The two RAF fighters conducted 1-on-1 air intercepts and air refueling operations, while being controlled by Roosevelt air intercept controllers to provide safety of flight and maneuvering recommendations.

The exercise continues the seamless high-end warfare operations between the two allied nations. Earlier this month, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) joined the British Royal Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Trent (P224) in the Eastern Mediterranean. In May, Roosevelt operated in the Barents Sea along-side Royal Navy Frigate HMS Kent (F 78).

In Oct., U.S. Forces will participate in the semi-annual British naval exercise Joint Warrior. Additionally, Arleigh Burke-class, guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) is scheduled to deploy with The Royal Navy aircraft Carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth II (RO8).This continual cooperation ensures an unparalleled level of military operational cohesion.

Roosevelt, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national and NATO security interests in Europe and Africa.