Even as the USS James E Williams (DDG-95),an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer,transited the Bosphorus Strait and entered the Black Sea on 26 November last weekend,a Russian Su-30 fighter jet endangered a US Navy P-8A Poseidon Maritime Surveillance Aircraft flying over the Black Sea by its unprofessional antics,the Pentagon said.The P-8A was flying in international airspace when the Su-30 crossed in front of it from right to left with afterburners flaring.The resultant jet wash caused the Poseidon to roll 15 degrees and experience violent turbulence,Pentagon spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Michelle Baldanza told CNN.The Poseidon had its transponder on,but the Su-30 came within 50 ft. of the P-8A.The entire incident lasted about 24 minutes.*
The USS James E Williams was seen and filmed transiting the Bosphorus by ship spotter hobbyists.It is expected to make a port call at Odessa,Ukraine,a Navy spokesperson told USNI News.*
The US Navy periodically sends warships into the Black Sea to establish NATO presence and reassure NATO Allies along the sea such as Romania and Bulgaria.Under international law,they are allowed to stay for a period of up to 21 days.*
The Poseidon may be armed with cruise missiles,naval mines and torpedoes.The James E Williams is armed with a full suite of missiles,torpedoes and guns and can embark two SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters.
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