US Navy Destroyer to Enter Black Sea for ‘Peace and Stability’

The US 6th Fleet has announced that its guided-missile destroyer, the USS Ross (DDG 71) will enter the Black Sea on Saturday, May 23, 2015, to “promote peace and stability in the region”.

“Ross's presence in the Black Sea will reaffirm the dedication and commitment of the United States toward strengthening the partnerships and joint operational capabilities amongst NATO and regional Black Sea partners,” reads the statement posted of the official website of the US Navy.

"Ross's presence in the Black Sea will demonstrate the United States' commitment to the collective security of our NATO allies. We will work closely with our allies and partners to enhance maritime security, readiness, and naval capability, and to promote peace and stability in the region. We are committed to maintaining [the] safety and security of the world's oceans and sea lanes. Through strengthened relationships in the Black Sea, we can expect an increase in peace and prosperity throughout the region," according to Commanding Officer of the USS Ross (DDG 71), Cdr. Tadd Gorman.

The US Navy operates ships in the Black Sea in a way that is consistent with the Montreux Convention and International Law.

According to the Convention, “Vessels of war belonging to non-Black Sea Powers shall not remain in the Black Sea more than twenty-one days, whatever be the object of their presence there.”

The USS Ross (DDG 71) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, the he second Navy ship of that name, and the first named in honor of Captain Donald K. Ross (1910–1992).

Earlier in April the USS Jason Dunham, guided-missile destroyer, entered the Black Sea with the same purpose.

In January, the USS Donald Cook, another American guided-missile destroyer, took part in joint military drills in the Black Sea together with the Ukrainian Navy ship the UKRS Hetman Sahaidachny. The USS Donald Cook left the Black Sea on January 14, 2015.

Over the last year American warships such as the USS Mount Whitney, USS Taylor, USS Truxtun, USS Donald Cook, USS Vella Gulf, USS Ross, USS Gunston Hall, and the USS Cole have carried out missions in the Black Sea.