A US Navy destroyer met up with UK Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters on September 25 for joint operations over the Black Sea.
Two Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 fighters worked with Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) to demonstrate combined air and maritime defense capabilities.
The two RAF fighters conducted one versus one air intercepts and air refueling operations while being controlled by Roosevelt air intercept controllers to provide safety of flight and maneuvering recommendations.
“Our operations with our British counterparts underscore the strength of our alliance,” said Cmdr. Ryan Kendall, Roosevelt’s commanding officer. “We will continue to operate together in the Black Sea and throughout Europe, reinforcing stability and prosperity of the NATO Alliance.”
The exercise continues 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 October, US 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).
Roosevelt is the first of four new destroyers selected to forward-deploy to Naval Base Rota, Spain. The navy plans to replace all four destroyers currently deployed to Spain in support of NATO’s missile defense system with more modern and more capable sister ships. Roosevelt arrived in Spain in April this year.
