USS Donald Cook Celebrates Fourth of July at Sea> US Naval Forces Europe-Africa / US 6th Fleet> News Display

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EAST ATLANTIC OCEAN –

The Arleigh Burke-class guidance-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) celebrated Independence Day while embarking on a cruise voyage to Mayport, Florida, July 4, 2021.

Donald Cook’s staff took a break from their strict work schedule to celebrate the Fourth of July, a holiday usually celebrated with friends, family, backyard barbeques and fireworks. Donald Cook is currently implementing a homeport shift in Mayport, Fl., After being stationed in Rota, Spain for seven years.

The next morning, crews began the celebrations by raising the Battle Ensign, the largest American flag on board, and carrying a firearm that included the five-inch handgun system, and the Phalanx close-range weapon system ( CIWS). After a pause for lunch, weapon drills resumed with the 25mm machine gun system, and weapons delivered by personnel including the M240 and .50-caliber machine gun.

In the evening, the wardroom hosted a “steel beach” picnic on the flight deck where sailors listened to music, practiced their golf swing, and fish while enjoying food from the grill.

“I think it’s important to take time out of our busy schedule to celebrate American freedom and reflect on the core values ​​we vow to protect when we take the oath,” Cmdr said. Matthew Curnen, commanding officer Donald Cook. “These basic principles have not changed since our great nation was born and it is important that we stop often to recognize and celebrate this great nation.”

The Arleigh Burke-class guidance-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) leaves Naval Station Rota, Spain, for the last time as a Forward Depaced Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) destroyer, June 30, 2021 .Donald Cook bookmarked its operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet by conducting operations in the Black Sea.

The U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in conjunction with allies, and interagency partners, to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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