On 14 April 2019, the USS Ross (DDG 71),a US Navy Arleigh Burke- class guided-missile destroyer, began its northward transit of the Dardanelles Strait, the Navy announced in a press release.It was headed for the Black Sea:
To conduct maritime security operations and enhance regional maritime stability, combined readiness and naval capability with NATO Allies and partners in the region, the Navy said.
Added USS Ross commanding officer CDR Dave Coles:
Our Allies in the Black Sea continue to play a key role in maintaining security in the European theatre. The crew and I look forward to enhancing our interoperability in a dynamic environment as well as experiencing the rich history and culture in this region.*
Operating in the Black Sea in accordance with international law and the Montreux Convention, the USS Ross, which is forward deployed to Naval Station Rota, Spain, will conduct naval operations in the US 6th Fleet Area of Operations in support of US national security interests in Europe, demonstrating collective resolve to Black Sea security under Operation Atlantic Resolve.*
Once the Ross entered the Black Sea later on the 14th,it was continuously surveiled by Russian coastal electronic warfare equipment of their Black Sea Fleet, the Russian Ministry of Defence said.It was then monitored by the Russian patrol ship Vasily Bykov and reconnaissance ship Ivan Khurs.*
The Ross is on its first Black Sea patrol of 2019, which is part of NATO's Black Sea package to ensure regional maritime security.Besides patrols and drills, the package also contains several classified
provisions, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin.In general, the package consists of increased situational awareness (surveillance); more NATO and partner presence; and increased support for the Ukrainian Navy and coastal defence,in light of a pattern of Russian aggression in the region since its invasion of the Republic of Georgia in 2008.
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